The Rhythm of Prayer

Prayer is an intimate two-way line of communication between God and his people. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we have the opportunity to call directly upon our Lord and Savior. We can, and must, be honest. In prayer, God wants us to come before him as we are, however we are feeling. There is no need to hold back. Everything belongs: our nervousness; our aggression; the good and the bad; EVERYTHING. God can handle it! We do not need to fear being honest with God.

Jesus, the Son of God, prayed to the Father in heaven. In Luke, chapter 6, Jesus prayed before he appointed the disciples. In John 17, Jesus prayed for all believers, past, present, and future. Paul tells us in Romans 8 that Jesus is interceding on our behalf, while seated at the right hand of our Father. While on earth, Jesus demonstrated the importance of praying to God.

Prayer is one of many examples Jesus left for us to follow. It is easy to become distracted by the busyness of our lives and forget to pray. Or, to think we have it all under control…

Have we been following Jesus, or have we become complacent?

How can you develop a stronger rhythm of prayer in your life?

One thing I try to do every morning, before my hand reaches for the phone…is pray. Before I’m barraged by images, news, and other’s opinions from social media, I find it necessary to start my day with few minutes with God. These short but sweet moments in prayer can re-frame my entire day.

Prayer does not need to be complicated. Start by saying a simple prayer to God. Just talk. You do not have to quote the entire Bible to him or pray like someone else.

When praying, give God adoration, confess your sins before him, thank him for what you have, make your requests known to God, and close the prayer asking for his will to be done in your life.

We can cry out to God with our needs, knowing God cares. And we can be grateful, even while the immediate future is unclear.

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul reminded his readers:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Don’t be anxious. Instead, pray. And, pray with thanksgiving.