PRAYER

Well, I've officially had 70 posts. :) It's amazing when you think of all the time I spent writing for this blog, and everything I've written (I could compile it into a book someday...), but I believe it was worth every second of it. Honestly, this blog is simply a giant prayer to God (and a bunch of my rambling thoughts about God). Which leads me to this post's topic: prayer.

A good friend of mine let me borrow a book called "A Young Woman's Call to Prayer" by Elizabeth George. I've only read the first chapter, but so far it's been phenomenal! It's exactly what I needed at this point in my walk with God. You see, I've never exactly been huge on praying... I did write a previous post about it in January. That's when I decided to start the alarm system plan. I set my alarm for everyday at 7:07 pm. It was like a personal phone call from God, and I would pray to Him - telling Him about my day and simply talking to my best friend. However, business wreaked havoc. After no time, I was turning my alarm off because of conflicts like work and speech team rehearsals or even Bible study and youth group! I just wasn't getting that one-on-one time with God. The book I'm reading talks about that - reasons and barriers to keep people from praying. But you know what? Prayer is VITAL to grow in a relationship with Christ. That's why I've started something different. Perhaps, night time isn't the best time to pray. So, I've moved my official prayer time to the morning (I figure it's the perfect way to start the day). Now, I've already scheduled my daily Bible reading in the morning, before school. Let's just say that hasn't worked out so well... again, business. I've been sleeping and snoozing through my alarm everyday - completely missing my Bible time. On top of it, I've been sleeping through Ezekiel when I've attempted to read and not get distracted. I've been wondering why I'm so depressed lately, and these obvious signs never hit me! Without communication with God - through His word and prayer - life is bound to get difficult.

I've always wondered why Matthew 11:30 says, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." But now I'm learning that 1. life's never going to be perfect, and 2. it's going to be even more wearisome if we don't know God more. After all, God carries our burden for us and improves life's hardships. If we aren't talking to Him or learning more about Him, how is that supposed to happen? The following are useful verses about prayer (from Elizabeth George's book on prayer).

Luke 11:1 Lord, teach us to pray.

Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually.

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

Dear Father, thank-you for the wonderful gift of prayer. Help me to be devoted to prayer and pray continually. I yearn to please You, grow in You, and pray to You until the day I die. Keep your promise to me and help me to know your love and endless grace. I love you. Forgive me of my selfish desires and sin. Let your will be done and teach me to know your will. Let your kingdom come, Lord. If you want me to go on the Mexico missions trip, so be it. I will go. Keep me and every other missionary safe. Thank-you for this glorious day. Bring me peace to know that You have a perfect plan. Amen.

-AWESOME and BREATHTAKING and GLORIOUS cloud picture by Bubbly ;) God is good. All the time.