Prayer

"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

This is one are of life that I struggle the most in.  It is also the area of life that God has called me to be very strong in.  Ironic?  I don't think so.

This last week, the Lord has really convicted me of how little I pray.  I'll admit to praying short one-sentence requests or praises throughout my days.  But God wants more of me.  He wants me to be open and vulnerable to Him in my prayers.  Prayer and worship are the best ways to communicate feelings, emotions, stories, etc. to God.  (At least, that's what my experience shows me.)

I love the idea of spending hours in solitude and prayer each day.  However, the life of a college student doesn't always allow for that.  I often find myself fighting between sleep and prayer.  If I spend two hours praying every day, then I believe that I will lose two hours of sleep every night.

"But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3

When I fear that I will lose sleep or not be productive because I spent time with the Lord, I allow for the enemy to tell me lies that I so easily believe.  Thankfully, God strengthens us and guards us from the enemy.

I must turn away from this old, old habit.

Today is the day that I will start relying more on God and rebuking and turning away the enemy.  The Bible gives me the authority and strength to do this, especially the above verse from 2 Thessalonians.  The next question is this: How do I know what to pray for?

"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.  As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks.  Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity.  This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.  For there is only one God and on Mediator who can reconcile God and people.  He is the man Christ Jesus.  He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.  This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:1-6

If you're like me, this passage will most likely be helpful.  It tells us who to pray for and why.  I also believe that if we ask God who to pray for, He will place people on our heart.  This has been my experience many times and I later find out that the person was going through something during the time that they were on my heart to pray.  God is just so cool, isn't He?