3 Keys to Peace in the ValleySample

Key 2: Prayer, Prayer, and More Prayer

No matter how dark your valley is, prayer is a big key to getting out of it. Prayer is simply conversation with God. And when we pray, pouring out our heart to the Lord, He gradually changes our perspective from “big problems, little God” to “big God, little problems.”

During every single walk I’ve ever taken through the valley of the shadow of death, my solitary time in prayer has sustained me and preserved me. Our Heavenly Father has used the power of prayer every time:

• To relieve my fears;
• To remove my anxieties;
• To restore my faith; and
• To help me feel His refreshing, comforting, healing presence and glory.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to be anxious about nothing, but in everything, with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, to make our requests known to God.

If you are going through a hard time, God wants you to stop right now and tell Him about it. Yes, it's true that He already knows; but knowing is not relationship. He specifically wants you to talk with Him about it. As you do, He will talk back—whether through the pages of His Word, through His still, small voice, or in some other way.

Prayer is simply talking with God. It is a two-way conversation that changes everything, both in your emotions and in practical manifestation. When you pray about everything that concerns you, not only will God move in your situation, but He will also give you peace.

If you need help praying today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you, and to teach you how to pray.

Then, pour out your heart to the Lord. I also encourage you to open your Bible and pray through a hopeful passage or two, pointing them out to God as you pray—and asking Him to do whatever He promises in those passages.

But above all else, be sure you get started with praying today. If you will humbly pour out your heart to God and ask Him for His help, He will hear your prayers and send you the help that you need. He will even give you His peace that passes understanding.

No matter what you’re going through, it’s time to pray. Prayer is a big key to finding peace in the valley. And as you pray, over time, the Lord God Himself will bring you out of the valley.