What does prayer look like in your life? Is it only at church on Sundays? Or, do you also interact with God at other times — maybe during a quiet time in the morning, while driving to work, or while sitting out on the patio? Prayer is incredibly important. We know that. We also know that personal contact with Jesus changes everything! Yet, many of us, myself included right now, may not be in the close, love relationship with Christ we would really like to be in.
In fact, many couples we talk to are constantly distracted by the trials and problems of everyday life. As a result, their understanding of who God really is, how involved he wants to be in our lives, and the purpose of prayer is constantly tested.
Today’s blog serves as an important reminder to beware of anything that comes between you and your relationship with God.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30
The purpose of prayer
Prayer is a mindful and deliberate decision to worship, thank God, and communicate with Jesus in a deeply personal one-on-one setting. It is our opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, and every time we pray, we open ourselves up to knowing Him more deeply and live in His blessing and abundance. Oswald Chambers also perfectly defines prayer as an effort of the will. Therefore, we must learn to discipline our minds and concentrate on willful, deliberate prayer. He goes on to say that we must get into the habit of going to God about everything and that unless you learn to open the door of your life completely and let God in, you will be working on the wrong level.
Benefits
There are numerous benefits to prayer, both as individuals and as a couple, including:
- Helps us to know God himself.
- Is a way God speaks to us.
- The way that the life of God in us is nourished.
- A reminder that God is the source of life, truth, love, and hope.
- Gives us Gods view of how to deal with life’s struggles.
- Opens our hearts and minds to God, and to others.
- Encourages vulnerability and grace.
- God wants us to ask for “unsearchable” things He wants to do.
- Gives wisdom if we ask Him.
10.Prayer changes ME!
Motivation to Pray
We have a tendency to take to God our problems, stress, hardships, and things we want others to change, but we actually ask for very little. Be yourself before God. Oswald Chambers adds that saying that “prayer changes things” is not as close to the truth as saying, “prayer changes me,” and then I change things. Prayer is not a matter of changing things externally but one of working miracles in a person’s inner nature.
Personal prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15) gives us the model for prayer: worship, praise, adoration, thanks, and a desire for His will to be done in our lives. It is also for things we need — practical and spiritual needs such as forgiveness and knowing him, and strength against temptation. Praise Him, give Him honor, thank Him, and ask Him to change you!
All we are saying here is that our prayer life brings us close to God to have that relationship we so need with him and give us strength for the day and all the circumstances that come with it. Invite God to come into your thought life and give you a sense of Him and what He wants to do in you.
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Did we leave anything out? How are you trying to incorporate more prayer into your life? And how is that benefiting your marital journey together? Please send us a quick email and help us keep this conversation going at Mike@MikeandSusanDawson.com.
