Designing Prayer into your life.

What is prayer? 

The Webster dictionary definition of prayer - an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought. 

My definition of prayer - a form of communication that allows me to talk to God no matter where I am.  It is my way of spending time with him.

I believe that the reason many people shy away from praying is that they believe they might say or do the wrong thing.  No such thing!  Prayer is a conversation with God. You talk he listens and then God talks and you listen.  That simple.

You see, God already knows you and everything about you.  You must always come to him with reverence and respect for who he is. Don't believe for one second that you can approach him like one of your besties at the beach or pub.  He should be honored for who he is, so approach him reverence.  Once that is done, God just wants you to have a real honest conversation with him so that you both understand each other.  

For years I would not pray in front of others for fear of saying something wrong.  I read this in the Bible, Philippians 4:6 ~ "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."   It simply means that God wants to take care of every situation, all we need to do is ask and be thankful that he will fulfill our requests.  

Is there a right or wrong way to pray?  

Well in the book of Matthew 6: 5-8: "And now about prayer. When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who pretend piety by praying publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. Truly, that is all the reward they will ever get.  But when you pray, go away by yourself, all alone, and shut the door behind you and pray to your Father secretly, and your Father, who knows your secrets, will reward you.”

It appears to me that there is a right way to pray as God has made his command clear.  My belief is that he wants it done in private because:

1.    He wants to have that one-on-one communication with you; and
2.    He also wants to keep your secrets, unlike other people would do and he wants to reward you without a public display. 

Communication with God is of the utmost importance for us. The bible is filled with scriptures on prayer.  In these scriptures, prayer answers a need for someone and provides hope  Prayer is something that God reminds us to do consistently (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you), this could only mean that HE is always waiting to hear from you.  GOD is always prepared to design your life.  GOD is prepared to remove the heavy burdens and lighten your load (Romans 12: 12 - Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer) GOD is ready to open the door that has not been opened before. We need to listen to what he has to say and do what he tells us to do.  GOD is ready to redesign your hardened or your broken heart.  GOD is ready to walk you into your destiny, but you have to listen, his voice is not always loud. Constantly praying and listening carefully, you will be able to hear God speaking to you throughout your day.

Adding a course of prayer to your daily diet is essential.  If you incorporate prayer into your life and make it as essential as food, it will be the spiritual equivalent nourishment you need just as the nutritional value food is to your body. 
If you feel you that there are missing pieces to your puzzle (work, family life, money deficiencies, relationships, etc.) spend some time with God and pray about those things daily that you want to redesign and be thankful also.  The doors of communication will swing open and God's blessing and favor shall continuously flow in your life,  you will one day wonder how you did it without prayer.

Prayer is the key that unlocks the door to designing your life the way you dreamed and the way God intended.

Lilly is a beautiful soul, I reached out to her because I had an idea about a post on Prayer and how it should be used to design your life. Please stop by her blog here to learn more about her and her wonderful insight.