Some people use prayer like a salt shaker. They think a little prayer here, a little prayer there should be enough. But I’m here to tell you that a little “seasoning” isn’t enough. We need to soak our lives in prayer!
Each of us needs set-aside, set-apart encounters with the living God throughout our day in order to navigate life. As we humbly come before the throne of grace with our passions and petitions, God then answers us by faithfully directing our steps.
We have a reason to pray
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father. —Ephesians 3:14
God deeply desires ongoing fellowship with us, and prayer strengthens our relationship with Him. And remember, there’s a wrestling match we’re involved in, and our opponent, Satan, doesn’t like to lose. It’s foolish to go into battle without protection, especially when God has given us specific weapons for our warfare. Prayer is the invisible energy, the invisible force that is the key to victory.
We have a responsibility to pray
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. —Matthew 6:33
I’ve heard it said that the first 10 or 15 minutes of each day really determine how the rest of your day will go. That’s why, before I get out of bed every morning, I lift my heart to the Lord and say, “God, I praise You. I want You to have my ambitions, my attention, my life, and my all this day!”
Too often, rather than putting Jesus Christ first in our lives, we allow many other thoughts and “things” to consume us. I know life can be busy. I’m just suggesting that before we tend to our other responsibilities, we should devote ourselves to God in prayer. I need that, and so do you.
Prayer empowers us to be a better friend, a better spouse, a better parent, a better business partner, and better people overall. The world won’t understand why we’re so different—why we know such joy in the face of adversity, why we feel such peace in a valley that’s dark—but we’ll know that the transformation we’re experiencing is due solely to devoted time listening to the Lord and talking to Him.
Prayer not only gives us peace, but it also arms us with a conquering and overcoming spirit. It helps us to believe again… to trust the promises of God again… and it helps us stand in His strength.
When we are willing to exchange our fleeting, infrequent prayers for passionate, persistent prayers, we will find all the provision, peace, and power we need. God is waiting to welcome you into His presence so you can soak in His goodness.
