FLOURISH IN PRAYER

by Ginger Harrington

When my husband deployed to the Middle East, I prayed for his safety daily. "Lord, watch over my husband and keep him safe." During each of our moves, I prayed my way through the months of settling into new places. "Lord, please bless my children in this new place. Help us to make good friends and get used to a new community." 

Over the years God has changed the way I pray. I used to approach prayer as seeking answers to questions or provision for needs. It was an exchange—my prayers for God's answers. Now I understand that prayer is not a formula, nor is it a transaction or bargaining tool for getting God to do what we want.

Prayer is a vital part of our intimacy and relationship with God, a way to communicate and be present. As we mature in faith, our prayer needs to include both asking for God’s help and seeking to know His heart. 

Sometimes prayer is trusting that God knows what we are experiencing. He knows our hurts, understands our struggles, and loves us during it all. Because He invites us to pray, we can let go of the pressure to pray “pretty prayers” that sound good. Flourishing in prayer is living in an authentic connection with God, trusting that He listens to us. Be honest and real with God. Pour out your heart as you abide in Him and trust in His Word. He already knows all the details, but prayer reminds us to rely on Him and not on ourselves. 

Simple prayers often best convey our true thoughts and needs in the moment.

"Help me, Lord,"

"I trust you, Father."

"You know what I need."

“I love you, Lord.”

"Help me to pray."

"What do you want me to learn in this situation?"

Prayer connects our hearts with God. When we believe God is good, faithful, and present, we begin to trust Him even when we struggle to understand our circumstances.

How to Flourish in Prayer:

1.  Pray in the moment. 

2.  Pray with confidence, trusting in God's grace and mercy. 

3.  Pray with a thankful heart. 

4.  Ask God to help you pray when you're not sure what or how to pray. 

5.  Watch to see what God does next. 

Ponder:

Practice by writing out a prayer today.

Verses to Consider:

Hebrews 4:14-16 

Romans 8:26-28 

Colossians 4:2