Thankful for Prayer
“Prayer is the most tangible expression of trust in God.” – Jerry Bridges
I’m the first to admit, my prayer life needs work. I’ve read every book imaginable and I still feel as if my prayer life is simply mediocre.
Then I read the above quote in Jerry Bridge’s book, “Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts.” Those words popped off the page and stirred my heart. Do I trust in God or not?
Yes, Lord, I do trust You. And I want to express that in every aspect of my life.
The scriptures exhort us to do everything to the glory of God and that even means in prayer life. So as we focus this week on praising God through Thanksgiving, I want to thank God for prayer. The Lord gave us such an amazing means of communication with Him by allowing us to boldly approach him with praise, thanksgiving and supplication.
Of course, I regularly pray for my husband, children, finances, friends, family and Bible study classes. However, I need to contemplate real life issues where I tend to struggle more with trusting God and knowing He will bring about his will in situations I don’t quite understand. Here are some of those areas:
- Praying for our country and our leaders. In Jerry Bridge’s book, he says, “If we would trust God when decisions of government in our own country go against our best interests, we must pray for his working in the hearts of those officials and legislators who make those decisions. The truth that the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord is meant to be a stimulus to prayer, not a stimulus to a fatalistic attitude.”
- Praying for persecuted Christians and missionaries serving in hostile environments.
- Praying for ministries, such as WorldVision, which our family personally partners with, as they reach out to hungry children all across the world.
- Praying for the Dominican Republic, where our sponsored child lives. Praying for their leaders and her family who has so many obstacles to overcome.
- Giving thanks in all things, the good and the bad. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” And Genesis 45:8 reminds us, “So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.”
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a means to start working towards a prayer life that reflects trust in God.
What an amazing God we serve! He allows us free access to Him and in return gives us the Holy Spirit who works in us revealing areas of our lives that need attention.
I am thankful for God’s love towards me and my hope is to bring Him the glory. I pray my thoughts today will encourage you. If you have a great prayer life, Praise God! What a testimony of your faithfulness in trusting God in all areas. If your like me, and struggle with prayer, may you too find inspiration in God’s promises in his word and begin to improve and grow your prayer life as well.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Dana
Have a blessed thanksgiving.
I have to say that I not have s scheduled time to pray. I know that many pray at a certain time every day with a list in front of them. However, I pray throughout the day. If I feel a burden for a particular person, I start praying for them, because I know that God put their name on my heart.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful quote by Jerry Bridges.