Prayer

A Challenge to Change Your Prayer Life

After accepting Christ as Savior, I really never knew any other way to live as a Christian other than to know I was expected to follow Him anytime. Somewhere along the way I didn't grow and mature in many areas of my spiritual life. I seemed to hit a stagnant point. I felt very insecure most of the time. God had been good to me and even through many adversities God became more real to me. I have been an impatient person a lot of my life. I began to have nagging pains gnawing at me about my prayer life. I began to see very little connection between my prayers and the results. I was not looking at a long view of time in which I wanted God to answer. I wanted to know more about God.

I was consumed with reading and studying the Bible and seeking to understand more. I was regular in church attendance, leading, but I sensed God wanted more from my life. A closer relationship. It was not that I didn't believe in prayer, I prayed daily--but it wasn't a priority or instrumental so I thought to my daily walk with Him.

When God began to speak to me about my prayer life it was like a bombshell. While serving in Russia, I came in contact with Christians who were so sincere and talked about prayer. It was so vital to their lives. When they prayed you could feel the Spirit move. They relied on Him to supply their needs each day. In reading books on prayer, over and over James 4:2 would be mentioned. "you do not have because you do not ask" Finally, I realized that God is speaking to me through this verse. I call on God's power so little and yet I need it more than anything else to accomplish His purpose for my life. Authors on prayer would emphasize the power available to a believer who prays and what a difference it makes in the life of a believer. I began to have a hunger for a deeper prayer life. I found prayer is for all who call upon His name.

As I mentioned earlier, God began to work on my personality and character and it was through that step He taught me I must confess my sins daily and repent. There is nothing we can hide from God. I started agreeing with God about every conviction He brought to my attention saying, 'Yes, Lord, I am guilty and I ask for your forgiveness.' I was being relieved of so many burdens, my heart became lighter, I could talk to Him so openly and freely. I no longer tried to hide or deny. It was such a wonderful feeling to be free from each sin. Was it difficult at first, yes, yes? Now, I can thank Him for everything He brings to my attention because I know it is for my good. I know what it means to have a pure heart. I pray each day Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," I learned He was preparing me in order to teach me the principles of prayer and how my prayer life could become more effective. It is my prayer that you will be challenged to change your perspective of prayer as I did and receive the blessings and feel the power He releases through our lives. Be prepared to change your priorities, personality and to face self-discipline. It is worth it all.