The Prayerful Heart

What is prayer? Most people define prayer as "talking to God." However, prayer is so much more than just talking to God. Prayer is talking with God, having a conversation with Him. Before I go any further, can I just say how cool it is that we can talk with the Creator of the universe? How awesome is it that He actually listens, and even responds? 

I think we take prayer for-granted. We get so distracted that prayer often becomes a routine. Prayer is a gift from God to His beloved children. It connects us to God, our perfect Savior. Ephesians 6:18 says that prayer is a secret weapon of warfare. So, don't leave it wrapped up, open it. Use it.

Prayer doesn't mean that we always get what we want. Yes, God hears everyone of our prayers, but we may not get a response right away, or get the one we desire. Prayer is not how we control God.  We often go to prayer, thinking ahead of time what we want and how we think God should answer our prayer. Yet, God is not a robot, He's not going to do things our way. 

However, do not get discouraged. He knows what's best, His ways are higher than ours. Hebrews 11:6b says, "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." This promise reminds me of a quote, "Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently." This so powerfully applies to prayer. If you seek Him with your whole heart, He will answer  you. The diligent seeker is the one with most prayers answered.

  Hebrews 4:16 says that we are urged to come before the throne of grace boldly. God cares about every little thing in our lives. If it matters to you, it matters to the master. He may not grant you everything you desire, but He promises to meet everyone of your needs, both physical and spiritual. Always seek Him with a prayerful heart, and He will reward you.