I don’t know about you, but I sometimes struggle to find the right words to pray especially when heavily burdened for people or a situation. In his book “How to Pray” Pete Greig says to “keep it simple, keep it real and keep it up.” C. H. Spurgeon the great 19th century preacher said that “prayer is an art only the Holy Spirit can teach—we should pray for prayer.”
How do we learn from the Spirit? Get alone with God, be still and remember P.R.A.Y. (from “How to Pray”)
- Pause—be still
- Rejoice—remember God loves you
- Ask—him for everything on your heart
- Yield—offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. (Romans 6:13)
Sometimes when I don’t know exactly how to pray—I pray the Lord’s Prayer. From the time I was in Jr. High I have prayed that prayer at especially stressful times in life and I know that God honored it whispered to him from the bottom of my heart and at the same time Jesus interceded on my behalf. Romans 8:34 says . . . Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
I love getting texts and phone calls from our kids and grandkids across the country. It doesn’t matter what the text says, or what they say on the phone, I just love the communication especially when they initiate it. It tells me that they thought of me, wanted to confide me, or just needed me to listen. Likewise, God is a great listener! He never gets tired, weary, distracted or impatient. Our heavenly Father welcomes us with open arms no matter what time of the day or night. . . . He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. (Psalm 91:4) I love that visual of being sheltered under his mighty wings. (Psalm 17:8)
Prayer takes time. One day you will see that your prayers have had a mighty effect in the spiritual realm. Don’t give up or think it’s not important to pray today. If ever there was a need for intercessory prayer, it’s now.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and faithfulness. Thank you that I can hide in the shadows of your wings and talk to you about anything on my heart, and most importantly thanks for listening. Help me to wait patiently for your answers.