Face To Face: Prayerনমুনা

Last two days of our plan!  Let's talk about how we feel when we pray.  I think that some of us believe that prayer is supposed to be this goose-bump raising kind of spiritual experience every time.  Prayer can be that way, but even veteran prayers who have spent every day with God for years and years don't feel that way every time.  Here's what you need to know: if you don't feel like something is happening, that doesn't mean that prayer isn't working.  But there are some things you should do that will help you grow to love prayer more and more.

One thing you can do is make sure you are watchful for answered prayer.  When you finish your prayer time, ask God to help you be on the look out for Him acting in your life.  And when you see Him do it, connect it back to prayer!  "God, I was just kind to my step-sister!  I've been asking you to help me do that..  Thank you for answering my prayer and use this to help me love prayer more."  As you see God choose to say 'yes' to your prayers, you will start loving prayer more.

A way to help you be watchful for answered prayer is to write your prayers down.  This is often called 'journaling' your prayers.  Some people keep really detailed journals, writing out every word of their prayers.  Others just keep simple notes to track what they are praying about.  Either way, it can help you go back and remind yourself of what you asked God for last month and then give God the credit He deserves for answering your prayers!

Today we are going to try a simple version of journaling.  Get something to write on and a pen or pencil.  Read the first two sections from Psalm 139.  The author, David, is reminding himself of God's perfect knowledge.  God knows everything about David's life, and He knows everything about your life too.  He knows literally everything about you, your past present and future.  As you read the last section, verses 23 & 24, turn that into a personal request to God: "Search my heart, God, and point out anything in me that offends you."  Once you say that, actually listen.  Trust that God will actually speak to you, not out loud, but in your heart.  If you get distracted, just keep asking "Search my heart, God, and point out..."  He will speak to you!  Write down the things God shows you and then ask Him to help you live differently (another way of saving "lead me in ways everlasting").