“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
PRAYING FOR GUIDANCE
Prayer is not simply a means to an end. Prayer is your chance to speak one-on-one with God. He knows all, hears all, and loves all. So when you are in crisis, when you have questions that no one can answer, why not turn to Him for guidance?
God knows what is best for you, no matter what trials you face. People are stubborn, and often want to do things on their own, forgetting that God is in control. It is common to go knocking on the wrong doors asking for help, even when it is obvious that knocking on God’s door is the solution to your problems.
When you pray, it is an admission of imperfection, like a child seeking the help of their father. Sometimes you are unsure of what is best for you, but your Father sees the big picture. You are revealing yourself as one who does not know everything and saying you are willing to trust God’s plan.
Although everyone can pray, it is not always easy. People are filled with doubts. Does God hear my prayers? Will my prayers be answered? Do I ask too much of God? These are normal questions, but they stem from a lack of understanding of the power of prayer, and the wondrous opportunity that prayer affords you.
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)
DOES GOD HEAR MY PRAYERS?
The answer may seem obvious, but many people struggle with this question everyday. When you pray, you have certain expectations. More often than not, you want a direct answer to your prayer, and you want it immediately. However, this is not always how God’s plan works.
Sometimes we have to have faith that the plan is already set in motion, even if we cannot see the results yet. If you are praying sincerely, then you know it is reaching God. Prayer is a direct line to Him, and He does not ignore it. Sometimes prayer is immediate, and other times it is like an investment for the future. Either way, when prayer is approached with honesty, you can be assured that God hears you.
“He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.” (Psalm 102:12)
MOVING BEYOND YOURSELF
Praying for guidance does not mean you should only focus on your own needs. Praying for others reaps an even greater reward and reflects the principles of Christ. He is our example of selflessness.
Perhaps you have a friend who lacks the strength of faith to pray but still needs God’s guidance and love. Or perhaps a family member’s health has declined, and you require God’s help with their recovery. Asking for God’s wisdom affects more than one person. It is communal. Sure, many times you need an answer for yourself, but asking for help for someone else is like giving a gift: Someone else receives the gift, but you feel the benefit of giving all the same.
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10)
NEVER GIVE UP
When you let your doubts, fears, and personal concerns cloud your judgment, priorities can get mixed up. Sometimes prayer gets subordinated to other issues, or abandoned entirely, even when it is needed the most.
Prayer is most often abandoned because of frustration and an inability to see past the immediate. God has a plan that involves every last person, and sometimes it is easy to feel lost in the mix. God’s plan is so complex and great that it could never be fully understood. This should not discourage you though. Knowing that God’s plan is so much greater than yours is a comfort.
Persistence is vital. When you persevere in your prayers and your faith in God, the fruits of your efforts will follow. In the example of Elkanah’s wife Hannah, she refused to give in to her situation (1 Samuel 1:2-2:21). She prayed until she was able to bear fruit, and the benefits of her prayer extended beyond anything she could have imagined. Her son Samuel went on to anoint the first king of Israel. So never give up. Never abandon your prayers.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
LET GTKYB GUIDE YOU
You do not need to take the path alone. Sometimes you need a fresh view to bring clarity. The internet is a great resource for bringing people who believe in God together and bringing fresh perspectives to your relationship with God, so contact us to enrich your spiritual journey today!
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Billy
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