The disciples have devoted themselves to these spiritual disciplines: The teaching of the Word of God, fellowship, communion, and prayer. In our previous devotions, we talked about the importance of the teaching of the Word of God, fellowship, and communion. Today, we will talk about the importance of prayer. What is prayer? Prayer is simply communicating with God and putting our trust in Him. In prayer, we do not impose our will on God, but we pray to know the will of God in our situations and submit to His will. Jesus said this in John 15:7, "But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!" Asking God for anything is a form of prayer. When we ask God for something, He answers it immediately according to His purpose and plan in our lives, and his answer can be: yes, no, or wait.
Prayer is the most important thing we do every day because when we pray, we talk to the God who created us, the universe, and the one who loves us. Jesus also instructed us how to pray in Matthew 6:7-8, "And when you pray, don't be like those people who don't know God. They continue saying things that mean nothing, thinking that God will hear them because of their many words. Don't be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him." Jesus wants us to pray from our hearts because He always looks at our hearts.
Let us be encouraged that God wants to also talk to us through our prayer. When we pray, we should come before Him with the anticipation that He also talks to us in our hearts. Remember that He has a better plan for us when God doesn't give us what we are asking Him or when He wants us to wait, it means He is still working on our situations. And while we are waiting, He shapes our character to become more like Him. Let us keep on praying and trusting Him. Let us keep on asking Him for direction, guidance, knowledge, provision, wisdom, and the right attitude before Him.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering these questions, and let the Spirit of God speaks to you) What is prayer? Why do I need to pray every day? How does God answer our prayers?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, would you please continue to teach and help me to pray daily? I thank you that I can come before you anytime, and you answer my prayer immediately according to your perfect plan in my life. Please help me to trust your will in my life. Please bless my day today and help me do what I need to do today. In Your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.