The Power of Prayer
Sometimes it's hard to convince
young people that prayer is powerful. The better your prayer life is going, the
better your life tends to go in all other phases. Praying each day, or
throughout each day, is certainly not a protection against bad things happening
to you. But it certainly is a great way to help you stay calm and focused on
the future despite life's worst storms and toughest circumstances.
Small children should get into the
habit of bedtime prayer, and mealtime graces. It's a good idea to memorize a
couple of prayers, such as the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). But somewhere in
those "tween" years between childhood and adulthood, it's time for the
individual to develop a personal prayer life that's just between the individual
and God.
Keeping this conversation going for
days, weeks, months and years - with more time spent listening than talking -- makes
the communication with God richer, deeper and more powerful. When bad things
happen or you have big questions for God, it's a lot easier to talk to Him
because you know how, than if you only call on Him once in a blue moon, under
great stress. Besides, He's a great guy - you really ought to get to know Him,
and prayer's the best way!
Here's a list of "p" words to post on your
wall or put in your Bible to remind you that prayer . . . excuse the expression .
. . provides:
Personal intimacy and deeper
relationship with Jesus Christ
Perspective on who God is
Positive faith attitude - knowing you
can trust Him
Purifying process in your heart -
recognizing your own sin and, hopefully, preventing it
Passion for obedience
Pressures dissipate
Peace!
Provision for our needs - you finally
realize that God has always provided, and will always
Pathway for our spiritual growth
Power for your witness to others
Productivity in your entire life
By Susan Darst Williams • www.GoBigEd.com • Heart Lessons
011 • © 2006
