Prayer is talking to God, your Father, as though he is standing, sitting or laying next to you. It’s simply telling your Father all about it. He wants to know your concerns and he wants you to grow closer to him.
Prayer is given to all as a gift from God. Praying is not complicated, it just requires you to be honest with God and with yourself.
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7 (NLT)
Remember what was said in What is Prayer Part 1 about God’s timing…God answers your prayer sometimes no…sometimes yes…and sometimes wait. Pray in the will of God.
You do not have to yell when you’re praying because He is very close to you. In fact, God knows your thoughts even before you speak them, yes!
Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. 1Chronicles 28:9 (NLT)
The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (NLT)
Be truthful when you talk to your Father in prayer. Being truthful brings freedom to you in every area of your life.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 (NLT)
You may ask the question, “What will the truth set me free from?” The truth will indeed set you free from being held captive in your life.
Things That Can Hold You Captive
- Unforgiveness – In all 4 gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) Jesus states how important it is to forgive others to ensure God’s forgiveness. When Jesus cried out from the cross He prayed that God might forgive his attackers.
Instead be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
2. Rebellion – One of the clearest demonstrations in the Bible of rebellion and it’s consequences can be found in 1 Samuel 15. King Saul, chosen by God to lead Israel, got too big for his britches. He thought he knew better than God and disobeyed God’s direct instructions.
3. Strife – This means jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, control, and disorder.
An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin. Proverbs 29:22 (NLT)
4. Envy –
Don’t envy evil people or desire their company. For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble. Provers 24:1-2 (NLT)
What You Need To Know:
The Lord wants you to know:
- He is Lord of your life.
- You can trust him with the dearest things in your life.
- He keeps all of his promises.
- He will never leave you.
- If there’s a need in your life He will bear it, but only if you give it to Him in prayer.
You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. Mathew 22:37 (NLT)
