Prayer
Prayer is one of the most marvelous and mysterious things in the world. It’s marvelous because it works, (few would deny it). It’s mysterious because only God knows how it works.
That’s just it; it does work! And not because we master the mechanics so that we know how to manipulate the levers of heaven and push the right buttons to get God to do what we want.
Equally important is that everyone prays, even those who deny God or won't admit to praying.
We pray because we face needs that cannot be met through any available means.
We pray because we need someone we can talk to who both fully knows us and fully loves us.
We pray because its easy. There is no special access code, formula, format or posture. Standing, sitting, lying down; it makes no difference. I even pray when I drive, walk and run.
We pray because He is always available. Whenever, wherever, all the time.
We pray because He always listens.
In fact, He makes us a promise: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14)
Which may in fact be the biggest mystery of all: That God listens. You see, prayer almost always begins with me saying something to God. The wonder is that He pays attention; that He listens with interest.
Of course, He doesn't always give us what we want, when want it, and how we want it. But He does always hear, and respond... If we are willing to hear His will, and not simply insist upon our own.
So how do I learn to pray effectively? First by knowing His Word. When we know Scripture, we know the heart and mind of God; what He loves, hates, and desires from mankind. Scripture leads us into informed prayer that is conformed to His will.
Second, we need set aside a regular time in our busy schedules to pray. As the Lord instructed David, "Be still, and know that I am God." [Ps 46:10] "Still" in the original means "to stop, relax, drop everything else, and be quiet."
This is hard for most of us to do. We are governed by the tyranny of the urgent and the distraction of screens. We're so addicted to busy-ness that we find quiet, disquieting.
What you will discover is that when you set aside time to be alone with God, God will multiply your effectiveness. I move fastest and furthest, when I move with God. This is especially true when we begin our day with reading and praying.
Early will I seek You;...
My soul shall be satisfied...
Because You have been my help.
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice...
Your right hand upholds me.
[Psalm 63]
Prayer makes us better people.