When life throws you an unexpected curve ball who is the first person you turn to? Your spouse? Your best friend? Your mother? What about those times when you don't know who to turn to? Who will understand? Who will comfort you? This is when I suggest the first person you talk to is Jesus. This is called prayer and it is the fourth step in developing our spiritual muscle.
Now don't minimize the importance of this step. There is supernatural power in prayer, especially if you combine it with scripture verses. Woah! That is a double whammy of power. James 5:16 says this about prayer: "The fervent prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." In other words, we need to put energy into our prayers. Prayer moves the hand of God, did ya know?
Personal Story
I have seen many miracles in my life thanks to the power of prayer and God's great grace. I have been redeemed from anxieties, afflictions, health issues, financial bondage and much more. If you want to read my inspiring true story, I offer you my first book, "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony." In it, I offer you a different perspective on how to view the inevitable trials and tribulations of life that are sure to come our way some time our another. I also share the faith lessons I learned that will help you strengthen your spiritual muscle as well. Do leave a review on Amazon too.
Benefits of Prayer
Prayer helps us to relax and find peace. It strengthens us knowing there is a divine power that cares about us and we are not left to our own devices. Some situations we cannot handle on our own. This is when we need to invite God in. Prayer also helps us to connect and feel closer to God. Often we think God is some distant being way out yonder, but really Jesus is right beside us, all the time. Prayer activates the hand of God. Just like a loving father when his children cry out, God hears the cries of his children and he commands his angels to get to work. One of my favorite verses is this promise: "God hears the cries of his people and he answers them. He rescues them from ALL their troubles." (Ps. 34:17). Notice the inclusion of the word "all". That doesn't leave anything out. God is here for you and me whatever we are going through.
Prayer Shifts Our Focus
In times of trouble, we tend to dwell on the situation. We ruminate. We overthink. We let the problem consume us. Prayer helps us with all of that by shifting our focus from the problem to the All-Mighty God who sees and controls everything. This is why is it so important to know who God is. One of God's attributes is omnipotent. You know what that means? He has ALL power. Nothing can stop him from working on our behalf. Nothing.
Prayer shifts the burden from our shoulders to God's shoulders which are much more capable of holding them. You know that song "He's got the whole world in his hands."
For Reflection
What situation would you like to give to God today? Is it a health concern? A relationship situation? A finances thing? Whatever it is, I encourage you to take it to Jesus today. Right now even. I'll help you get started:
"Lord, Jesus. I lift up to you_your situation or person_______. Please heal, help, comfort ____ in this time of need. Lord, you hear our prayers and we trust you to answer them in your perfect timing. Jesus, we ask for your peace and presence as we go thru this storm. I thank you in advance for everything you are going to do and I pray this, in the mighty name of Jesus."
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