Prayer is such a unique gift from our heavenly Father. I was sitting at my computer this morning preparing to type a different blog post, and a friend called from a great distance away to say thank you for me praying for him. He believes that my intercession with God on his behalf made a difference in a difficult situation he was facing. Not only do I believe prayer has the ability to change God's immediate plans (while still He works out His ultimate will), I believe that, perhaps, more importantly, prayer changes us and our perspectives on the situations we face. Prayer and sharing prayer time with others is the ultimate form of baring one's soul and is greatly needed in our intensely depersonalized culture. When we pray we open a window into our souls and allow access to our innermost thoughts and feelings, desires and hopes.
There is a great website by author Phyllis Tickle for helping to establish a regular prayer life (The Divine Hours - http://www.explorefaith.org/) While some of the best and most heartfelt prayer is spontaneous, I believe it is wise to get into a ritualistic prayer life as well. Whether through the use of liturgy, daily devotional readings, praying the Psalms or simply setting a schedule, knowing that you have a "sweet hour (or at least a few moments) of prayer" is essential for our growth as Christians.
Praying that the God of all comfort will strengthen you,
Will
1 comments: