Growing In Communion With GodSample

It’s easy to praise God when something great happens to us or our family. However, I know how hard it can be to praise God in the midst of the struggle. As I’ve learned through many difficult moments, I always have a reason to praise God. I can always recall a blessing that will push me into a moment of praise. Whatever you may be walking through today, you have something to praise God for. You can find a way to praise God in your valleys.

I know in these dark valleys it is often difficult to even pray at all. This is one of the reasons I am convinced God wants us to be a part of a local community of believers (church) so that others can help us pray when we cannot. But, if you can’t pray, try praise. “Lord I thank You that just a little while ago I was there, but now I’m here. God, I was broken but now I’m restored and I thank you for that.” Just a simple expression of gratitude opens up to us a line of interaction with God. And so I praise Him for what He’s done for me. And you praise Him for what He’s done for you. And if for some reason you simply cannot find a way to praise, then just tell God that very fact. Even speaking your frustrations to God is still prayer.

Another concept to consider as we pray is to praise Him for what He’s done for us, as the people of God. Don’t just rejoice when God does something for you individually, but praise Him for what He has done for others, as well! Enter into a time of praise for God’s provision for your church family, your friends, and your community. Often the current Christian culture reduces Christianity to an individualist enterprise. However, serving Christ is not just an individual work. Christ uses others to mold us into His image. We need one another in order to fulfill God’s will and we need one another to grow. When I praise God for what He has done, and is doing, for others and not just for me, I am acknowledging that I am a part of God’s plan for the world.