Gift of Prayer

Pray often;

It is a shield to the soul,

A sacrifice to God,

And a scourge for Satan.

- John Bunyan

I have been reading some Bible passages about prayer over and over lately. I find it so hard to pray without letting my mind wander. And I know that I am not the only one that struggles with this. One thing that helps me is to think about who I am praying to: a God who is merciful enough to look on terrible sinners like us and listens to our problems. And He doesn’t just listen to them, but He actually loves us so much that He wants us to cast all of our cares and troubles on Him so that He can carry the burden and help us through them. (1 Peter 5:6-7) Isn’t that amazing? Here are some of my favorite passages about prayer that are really neat.

“I have put the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8 If God is always right beside us, we know we can call on Him at any time and He will hear us.

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8 We are called to actually pour out our hearts to God! He wants to hear our struggles and know that He is there for us.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-6 If we truly pray in faith, the peace of God, which is too wonderful to comprehend, will shield us.

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”

1 Peter 4:7 Being vigilant means to be watchful, guarded, and alert. Christians are called to be watchful in their prayers, and that means we have to put everything else out of our thoughts when we pray to God, and realize whose presence we are in.

“If My people called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, them I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” Chronicles 8:14-15 Humility in prayer before God is very important; we are speaking to God, who is our Creator and Sustainer! This passage also speaks of the power of prayer.

I was listening to this song the other day, and I thought it was really neat how when we pray to God in the secret place, He is there and will hear us. I also like the part about how we are “pushing every hindrance aside” so that we can focus on Him above all. That is our daily struggle in prayer, to put aside every other thought and just come before God “in the secret and quiet place.”

In the secret, in the quiet place

In the stillness You are there

In the secret, in the quiet hour I wait only for You

‘Cause I want to know You more

I want to know You, I want to hear Your voice

I want to know You more

I want to touch You, I want to see Your face

I want to know You more

I am reaching for the highest goal

That I might receive the prize

Pressing onward, pushing every hindrance aside out of my way

‘Cause I want to know You more