The Discipline Of Prayer.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
God has called the believer to a life of prayer. It is the way we can communicate with the Creator of the Universe. Prayer is not some form of stagnant traditionalism or religious obligation. Instead, it is a way for us to access the throne of God and receive direction, wisdom, and help in the time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
In Cameron Thompson's book, Master Secrets of Prayer, he notes that prayer is "taking hold of the willingness of God rather than overcoming His reluctance." God has given us this amazing model called prayer to draw near to Him and tap into His desire to bless us. Our heavenly Father longs to have a relationship with His children, and He delights in our prayers (Proverbs 15:8).
Below are some practical and simple points to help us discipline ourselves for prayer. These prayer points have been adapted from the book You Can!* by Dr. Frank Minirth.
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything.
(Philippians 4:6a NLT)
Pray without ceasing as you go about your day. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Keep a notebook of your prayers so you can record answers as they occur.
Offer to pray for others and solicit their prayers for yourself.
(Colossians 1:3; 4:2-3)
Use the Scriptures to guide your prayers.
Learn to pray the moment someone gives you a request.
When you don't know what to ask, pray in the Spirit. (Romans 8:26)
Be specific.
Don't give up! (Luke 18:1)
As we take hold of the importance and accessibility of prayer and begin to act it out, we will see nations change and we will see turnaround in our own lives. Prayer is a powerful replacement for worry and anxiety. As we pray according to the Word of God, the answers will keep on coming!
Press on in prayer!
Pastor Jeff
*Copyright © 1994 Thomas Nelson Publishers. Nashville, TN
© 2007 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
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