Blessed are You, O God, for You are faithful to hear the cries of Your people and minister to their needs. Help me make praying an integral part of each day. You have instructed me to “pray without ceasing” … so prayer cannot be an afterthought. To be successful, I need to set aside time to pray … find a quiet spot to do it … and, clear my thinking to focus on a meaningful dialogue with You. I have observed that, if I can start my day talking with You, things throughout the day tend to go better. I must never forget that while You answer my prayers, they cannot be answered until I pray them. When I express myself to You, I am able to rejoice in hope … persevere through afflictions … and, see things through the eyes of faith. I will always strive to make the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You.
To be successful in life, I must be able to separate myself from the turmoil, activities and distractions of the things going on around me in order to focus on You and absorb the instructions contained in Your Word. I must learn to stop worrying and, instead through prayer and petitions with thanksgiving, let my requests be made known to You. I must enter Your presence with a pure heart because You separate Yourself from the wicked but draw close to the righteous. To neglect my prayers is like neglecting to eat or drink because it makes my spirit weak and vulnerable. To pray effective prayers, I must be obedient and submissive to Your will. Something I’ve come to understand is that prayer may not get me what I want, but it does teach me to want what I need. I must come to the point in my life where I see You as my Good Shepherd … bearing my heart to You … and, trusting that You know what’s best and will choose the right remedy for what’s ailing in my life.
Help me find the time and the will to connect with You each day because the better I get to know You … the easier it will be to open up to You. When I am estranged from You, it causes me to feel uncomfortable and lacking in confidence which inhibits my prayers. My whole being cries out for a closer relationship with you. Therefore, if I hesitate in praying, my solutions will be hindered and delayed. Your Word tells me that You “stand at the door and knock” and, if I will open the door of my heart, You will gladly enter in. My prayers are an expression of my trust in You that allows me to share my struggles and burdens. I want to be honest and truthful in my communications with You so I can find the way to peace and rest. I believe that if my prayers are consistent, sincere and pure, I will be praying prayers that get answers. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
John 15:7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you.