PRAYER IS OUR POWER SOURCESample

Got Time for Prayer?

I talk a lot about prayer. Why do you think that is? Well, prayer is the primary way in which we communicate with God. Imagine having a family member or friend who is in complete control of your life, yet you never take the time to talk to them, thank them, ask questions, and most importantly, you don't listen to what they have to say. That's what most of us do with God, and He IS in complete control of our lives!

So, what to do? Here are a few ideas:

Ask God for a hunger, a desire and a discipline to have regular time alone with Him. We have to ask God to give us that desire - that hunger to be with Him and to truly know Him. That's the starting point.

Find a place that's good for you where you can be alone with God - a place in your home or any place where you can be quiet. And I want to challenge you. Are you willing to turn off your cell phone, your computer, and your television, your iPod? Are you willing to truly be alone with God and remove the noise of this world that's pulling on you?

Pick a time of the day that is good for you. I need it in the mornings. If you're a homemaker with young kids in the home, you may need to do it at nap time. But, if you work outside of the home, I suggest you get up early and do it then. Whatever your situation, find that time that is good for you to be alone with God.

Pick out a plan. I've got three suggestions:
1. Find a good devotional book where you can have a daily reading to get your spiritual juices flowing. Begin there, but don't stop there or you've missed the main thing.
2. Pour out your heart to God. Just share with God what's on your heart. Praise, confession, thankfulness, pray for others, guidance - all of these things, plus whatever you're feeling, whatever you're going through...whatever is on your heart...pour it out to God. Whatever it is, I promise He's big enough to handle it.
3. We need to take time to listen to God, and that's what the written Word of God is for. You know, in any meaningful relationship, if just one person does all the talking, it's not a meaningful relationship. After you pour your heart out to God, listen! Be quiet! Give God the chance to speak, to guide and direct you through His Word. Let Him minister to you in that time you have together.

Trust me - if you spend time daily with God, you're going to love Him more each day.