DEVELOP PRAYERFULNESS

“Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

Why should we pray? Because we know it is possible to know God’s will through prayer. As you draw nigh unto God you will discover He is not attempting to keep you in the dark. The Great Creator God is a God of revelation. We also know God’s thoughts are not our thoughts as the prophet reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9) However, as creatures created in the image of God, we may detect a desire to walk and talk with God. We may even sense an inner longing to hear the voice of God and obey the will of God.

Despite this, there are seasons in our life, when we find ourselves in turmoil, struggling to follow the will of God, for two reasons. Firstly, as mere mortals we prefer our own will to the will of God. Secondly, as descendants of fallen man, full of our sinful nature, we find ourselves in rebellion, experiencing a discrepancy between self-will and God’s will for us. The confusion that arises from this situation may be put to rest with scriptural insights. Also, being an active part of the community of believers can provide inspiration. Consider these short, powerful, productive prayers that produced vibrant answers:

• The publican – “God have mercy on me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)
• Peter – “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30)
• Nehemiah – “Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the King. . .” (Nehemiah 2:4-5)

Our natural inclination in pleasing self is the opposite of a God-honoring lifestyle. As we become believers, Father God begins to mold our will towards His. This gives us the opportunity to cooperate in the process; and when we yield, we become catalysts in the Master’s hands. This promotes reliance on God, more than anything or anyone else. That is when we can experience life on God’s terms. This is what the power of constant prayer with thanksgiving can do for us. This will birth in us an assurance that every detail in our life of love for God is worked into something good. (Romans 8:28 MSG) Thus inspiring us to give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thes. 5:18)