Prayer Is Powerful

“As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬
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Ever felt poor and needy? Ever cried out to God for help in those moments? David did. The best thing we can do when life is tough, is pray. That's what David did. Prayer is a powerful thing! When we pray we activate things in the spiritual realm that affect the natural (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and Ephesians 6:12)
Prayer is an act of faith. Speaking audibly to God is something we must learn to practice if we are to have success in our mission on earth. Prayer is spiritual warfare! Yes, there is an unseen world that is going on all around us. Angels and demons are actively participating in the affairs of life (see Psalm 34:7; Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 1:14; 13:2).  Jesus prayed (see Luke 6:12;  Matthew 26:36-46; John 17 - whole chapter) Jesus taught us to pray (see Matthew 6:9-13). Communication with God is essential for many reasons.  First, we demonstrate humility when we pray. We recognize that we, as earthly creatures, are dependent upon the Heavenly Father! (see Matthew 6:9).  Second, we establish relationship with God through prayer. We can't get even saved without prayer (see Romans 10:8-10, 13). Through prayer we are able to confess our sin, accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, and experience forgiveness (I John 1:9 and I John 2:1-2).  Through Jesus, we have a access to the Father (see John 14:6 and I Timothy 2:5).  Thirdly, when we pray, we develop communication with the One we say we love. No relationship can survive with communication. In these moments we take the time to adore Him and cultivate intimacy with the lover of our souls.  Fourth, we receive instructions from our Heavenly Father in matters of life. By opening the communication line, we are able to have vital intelligence that helps us navigate through the jungle of this fallen world. Satan has strategic things set before us and it is crucial to have intel from the satellite of Heaven. God sees things we don't see and He knows everything. Not to listen to His voice is foolish and places us on a collision course with defeat and death.  Fifth, prayer gives us opportunity to express our thanksgiving to God for His faithful care. (see I Thessalonians 5:18). In these moments, we are able to take the time to express our gratitude for His provision of each day and the reinforcements that He sends along the way, especially when they are desperately needed.  Lastly, prayer gives us opportunity to present our needs to God! (see Philippians 4:6-7). Yes, He is already aware of our circumstances (see Matthew 6:31-34).  However, He has given us a will that must be brought in line with His (see Romans 12:1-2). Prayer brings our lives, and its needs, to Him and submits it all into His hands. There, we place our trust in His sovereign power.  When our lives are lived in constant prayer, we stay in tune with God and the line of communication is clear. We are commanded in scripture to pray constantly, not just in times of distress (see Luke‬ ‭18:1 and I Thessalonians‬ ‭5:17‬).  God honors diligence!  ‭‭(see Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ and Hebrews‬ ‭11:6‬). When we don't pray and we don't have clear communication with God, we have mixed signals about the things of life and we became disoriented. This leads to disaster! The good news today is this: If you are in a desperate place, in need of God's deliverance, call out to Him in humble submission. Ask Him to forgive you of any sin that has separated you from Him (see Psalm 66:18). Commit your life to God and trust your cares into His hands (see I Peter 5:7). Pick up the phone of prayer. He's been waiting for your call.