Sunday, September 3, 2017

Heart Prayers



Psalm 42:8  "By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life."


      How is your prayer life?  What's the central theme of your prayers?  Do you pray at all, for that matter?  Prayer is your direct, unfiltered, unbiased communication with God. Prayer is available 24/7 with no appointment required and is accessible anywhere.  What a privilege we have to talk to God for help, direction, comfort and everything that's on our minds and hearts but yet we so often take it for granted.  Prayer is too often our 911 call or last resort in a crisis.  What about a thankful prayer or a praise only prayer?
      Daniel is an excellent example of a solid and consistent prayer life.  Daniel relied on his strength from God and trusted God above his fears.  Daniel remained committed to God, regardless of the crisis or environment that he was in.
     "The life of faith is a marathon. The ups, the downs, and the plateaus in our prayer life are a reflection of this race. And just as in a marathon we need to keep running, so we keep praying. The point is: Don’t give up!" [odb.org]
      The caption above is posted as a Scripture based set of prayers from Colossians to help strengthen your walk with God.  These prayers help us to focus on God's will in our lives above our own selfish thoughts and will.  "Let your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven" and through me to glorify You.
      Your prayer life, or lack of, affects both you and your loved ones.  Your cup runneth over into their cups, whether blessings or strife, depending a lot on your time with God.  Prayer can move the mountains in your life, without an ounce of your physical presence or ability.
     As for myself, praying is often all I can do for myself or others.  It is powerful and enough!  I encourage you to become a prayer warrior!  

5 Finger Prayer  [odb.org]

When you fold your hands, the thumb is nearest you. So begin by praying for those closest to you—your loved ones (Phil. 1:3–5).
• The next finger is the tallest. It reminds you to pray for those in authority over you—national and local leaders, and your supervisor at work (1 Tim. 2:1–2).
• The index finger is the pointer. Pray for those who teach—Bible teachers and preachers, and those who teach children (1 Thess. 5:25).
• The fourth finger is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are in trouble or who are suffering (James 5:13–16).
• Then comes your little finger. It reminds you of your smallness in relation to God’s greatness. Ask Him to supply your needs (Phil. 4:6, 19).
Prayer is needed every day, and throughout the day.