Prayers

Closer connection through Prayer

by jay supetran
08/21/17
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James 5:16 (b) – The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

 When I was young, one of the first songs I learned in Sunday School goes, ‘Read your Bible, pray every day and you’ll grow, grow, grow.’ I love to sing the song because of its simple lyrics and melody. But despite singing it often, I was not able to develop the habit of reading the Bible and praying every day early on.  I was in my 40’s when I developed the habit of reading the Bible from cover to cover and to have a daily prayer and quiet time. 

Prayer is a neglected practice in my youth. I rely more on my strength, or so I thought. Realization that everything happening to my life was directed by God, came late.  There were times I struggled and asked why God was hindering my ‘dreams’ or the ‘works’ I was doing for Him. Later did I appreciate God never hindered me, but kept me away from harm and instead led me to a safe place. And for the works, well, it was shameful to admit those were made to feed my ego rather than advance God’s plan.

To my recollections, I prayed only at times when I was in deep trouble. When I felt helpless and hopeless, when I felt I have done my best and still nothing happened, those were the times God made His presence felt.  From the deepest and almost impossible challenges He never failed to show me the best alternative. Gradually, I learned to step aside and let God direct my ways. I depended on Him and seek leading in all decisions I make and guidance in all activities I do. Psalms 34:4 aptly stated, ‘I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.’

It is important that we develop a strong connection with God. We can only do that if we are constantly talking to Him through prayers.  Our problems and challenges will not disappear in an instant like magic, but He will give us strength and comfort to meet them head-on.   We pray to praise, to thank for blessings received, to ask for guidance, and for thousands of other reasons. By praying and becoming more dependent to God, living in a crazy and chaotic world becomes easy.    As we become more connected to God, the cares of the world and the things we fear will fade away as we wallow in His peace.

If at present our connection to God is just like a thin thread, we can start praying and transform it into a strong rope that can hold the anchor of a ship. We can ask God to work in us and increase our faith. Pray at all times in all circumstances. Pray for deliverance from evil and harm. Pray for other people to come and be part of the Kingdom of God.   Pray alone, pray corporately, pray aloud, pray silently, just pray…