Experiencing God is rarely how we think it will be. The Lord shows himself in unexpected ways.

We hope for a booming voice, maybe an eye-popping miracle, or even an instant solution to all our life problems. What actually happens is something quite different.

This all-wise, all-powerful Ruler of the Universe does indeed touch the lives of his followers, but in this day and age, he naturally does it in a way that is very private and very personal.

The Example We Tend to Forget

When it comes to people experiencing God in the Bible, we think of Jesus’ miracles, the parting of the Red Sea, or Daniel surviving the lions’ den. We tend to forget a very odd occasion when the prophet Elijah was waiting for God:

Elijah hid his face because he knew the Lord was in the gentle whisper. If we are wise, we also will listen for the gentle whispers in our lives, because that is when we are most likely to experience God.

Experiencing God in the Quiet

What fills your head? God will not break in on your cell phone conversations or whatever is playing on your iPod. If you constantly fill your head with noise, God will not compete with it.

The Bible tells us to approach God with respectful admiration:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)

Fear, in this sense, is not fright but respect.

To hear from God, you must give him the respect he deserves. God is not a genie, a butler, or the customer service department. Treating him like those things insults him.

We don’t need to take a vow of silence to hear from God. We do, however, owe him a quiet, receptive mind. If you are serious about experiencing God, give him opportunities to speak to you.

Taking a walk, meditating on Scripture, or coming to him in prayer are proven ways to invite God into your heart. Just as we would not expect an intimate conversation with someone we just met, we should not expect God to speak with us until we have established a meaningful relationship with him through his son, Jesus Christ.

So What is Experiencing God Like?

God sees you as an individual, unique in his creation; therefore, he will relate to you in a way best suited to you. If you are a believer in Christ, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who will help you discern a true word or experience from God.

We don’t have to wonder whether a prompting or internal word is from God, Satan, or our imagination. The Lord’s voice is unmistakable. He speaks with power and authority. The true test, however, is that words from God to individuals always, without exception, agree with the Bible. God never contradicts himself.

But there are other ways of experiencing God—through people and through circumstances. God uses people as his instruments, which is a common theme in the Bible. Throughout your life, God will move others to help you, encourage you, and draw you closer to him.

Millions of people imagine God is working in every good circumstance that happens to them. While it’s true that God is concerned about the minor details of our lives, it’s probably overreaching to believe getting the biggest ice cream cone is a sure sign of God’s favor.

Still, events happen that have no logical explanation. We manage to avoid a traffic accident at the last second. We get a job we desperately needed against incredible odds. We get healed of an illness after our family and friends prayed for us.

On the other hand, often we don’t get what we pray for. Only after years of maturity are we able to look back and see that our desire may have destroyed us. God was working in our life by denying our request but we were too narrow-minded to see it at the time.

How Long Does Experiencing God Take?

When you love God, you are eager for him to give himself to you.

Remember that Jesus Christ already did that on the cross. He proved his love for you two thousand years ago. Someone once remarked that if you were the only person on earth, Jesus still would have died to save you from your sins.

Experiencing God in an intimate, personal way takes patience. The more you read the Bible, pray, and surrender yourself to him, the more Jesus will move in your life. But we cannot force this to occur. God works in his own time and in his own way.

When it happens, and it will happen, you will know it. You will know, without a doubt, that it was not your imagination or some odd coincidence. You will be stunned at the depth of God’s love for you, and your life will never, ever be the same.

While it’s true some people seem to find their life purpose easier than others, it’s also true that God really does have a plan for every single person, even if it takes a while to see what it is.

Most people think finding your life purpose means doing something you truly love. It’s an area that just seems natural to you and things just seem to fall into place. But what if things aren’t so clear for you? What if you’re not sure what your gifts are? What if you haven’t discovered any particular talent that makes you think it could be your true calling in life? Or what if you’re working somewhere and you’re good at it, but you just don’t feel fulfilled? Is this all there is for you?

Don’t panic. You’re not alone. There are lots of people in the same situation. Take a look at the disciples. Now, there’s a diverse group. Before Jesus came on the scene, they were fishermen, tax collectors, farmers, etc. They must have been good at what they were doing because they were feeding their families and making a living.

But then they met Jesus, their true calling came into focus very quickly. What the disciples didn’t know is that God wanted them to be happy—even more than they did. And following God’s plan for their lives made them happy inside, where it really matters. What a concept?

Do you suppose it could be true for you too? That God wants you to be truly happy and fulfilled even more than you do?

Your Next Step

The next step in finding your life purpose is right in the Book. All you have to do is read it. The Bible says Jesus told his disciples they were supposed to love one another as he loved them. And he wasn’t kidding. Getting really good at this part of the process is like building the basement of your house.

You wouldn’t dream of moving forward without a rock solid foundation. Discovering God’s purpose for your life is exactly the same. The foundation of the process means getting really good at being a Christian. Yes, that means being nice to people even when you don’t feel like it, forgiving people, and oh yes, loving the unlovable people in the world.

So, what does all that stuff have to do with what I’m supposed to be when I grow up? Everything. When you get good at being a Christian, you also get good at hearing from God. He’s able to use you. He’s able to work through you. And it’s through that process that you’ll discover your true purpose in life.

But What About Me and My Life?

So if you get really great at being a Christian, or at least you think you are, and you still haven’t found that true purpose—then what?

Getting really good at being a Christian means you stop thinking about you all the time. Take the focus off you and look for ways to be a blessing to someone else.

There is no better way to receive help and direction in your own life than to focus on someone else. It seems completely opposite of what the world tells you. After all, if you’re not looking out for yourself, then who will? Well—that would be God.

When you focus on someone else’s business, God will focus on yours. It means planting seeds in great soil, and then simply waiting for God to bring a harvest into your life. And in the meantime …

Step Out and Try It

• Be willing to try some things that interest you. You will know very quickly if you’ve found the right thing for you. Doors will either open or slam shut. Either way, you’ll know where you stand.
• Be Patient. Wanting to know everything right this second is pretty common these days. Learning to trust that God will show you when He’s ready—now that takes patience. God isn’t going to show you every piece of the puzzle all at once. If he did, you’d get that “deer in the headlights” look, because you’d be so overwhelmed by it all. Not to mention you’d be overly tempted to come up with a back-up plan “just in case” things didn’t work out.
• Don’t waste your time on things you know aren’t from God. “Get rich quick” schemes never work. Finding a Christian husband or wife won’t happen if you’re focused on activities and events that don’t involve Christians. And participating in things you know are wrong—well, you’re simply prolonging your answers.
• Don’t let the people around you talk you into things. Just because it all sounds like a good idea from the world’s view doesn’t mean it’s God’s plan for you. Following God’s leading sometimes means you have to say no to many well-meaning family members or friends. It comes down to the decision to follow, no matter where it leads.
• Lastly, don’t ever give up. You may not know your specific purpose today or tomorrow, but as long as you’re really great at being a Christian, and your heart is open, you will find God and he will find you.

By Anita Reese

Dealing with difficult people not only tests our faith in God, but it also puts our witness on display. One biblical figure who responded well to difficult people was David, who triumphed over many offensive characters to become king of Israel.

When he was only a teenager, David encountered one of the most intimidating types of difficult people—the bully. Bullies can be found in the workplace, at home, and in schools, and they usually frighten us with their physical strength, authority, or some other advantage.

While we should not respond to bullies by hitting them in the head with a rock, we should remember that our strength is not in ourselves, but in the God who loves us. This can give us confidence to endure when our own resources are low.

At times, we must flee from a bully in the workplace, on the street, or in an abusive relationship. This is not weakness. It’s wise to retreat when we are unable to protect ourselves. Trusting God to exact justice takes great faith, which David had. He knew when to act himself, and when to flee and turn the matter over to the Lord.

Often people take their anger out on us. Sometimes we deserve it, in which case an apology is needed, but usually the difficult person is frustrated in general and we are the handiest target. Striking back is not the solution.

Turning to God when we’re attacked by an angry person gives us understanding, patience, and most of all, courage. Some suggest taking a deep breath or counting to ten, but the real answer is saying a quick prayer. David asked God what to do, was told to pursue the kidnappers, and he and his men rescued their families.

Dealing with angry people tests our witness. People are watching. We can lose our temper as well, or we can respond calmly and with love. David succeeded because he turned to the One stronger and wiser than himself. We can learn from his example.

The most difficult person each of us has to deal with is our self. If we are honest enough to admit it, we cause ourselves more trouble than others do.

At times, we need the help of a pastor or godly friend to help us see our situation clearly. In other cases, when we humbly ask God to show us the reason for our misery, he gently directs us to look in the mirror.

Then we need to do what David did: confess our sin to God and repent, knowing he always forgives and don’t look back.

David had many faults, but he was the only person in the Bible God called “a man after my own heart.” (Acts 13:22, NIV) Why? Because David depended completely on God to direct his life, including dealing with difficult people.

We can’t control difficult people and we can’t change them, but with God’s guidance we can understand them better and find a way to cope with them.

Face it: Most of us were never taught how to be friends with the opposite sex. Growing up, we got lots of advice about what to do—and not do—with boyfriends. But what about friends who were boys? We were raised to assume that guys and girls who were emotionally attached were also romantically linked. A mixed friendship was one step away from romance, and that step could go in a couple of directions. A friendship might be a warm up to a romance or a cool down from a crush. Friendship for mere friendship’s sake was rare – until now.

Dating is less the norm than it used to be.  A man and woman may become good friends for the duration of a Bible study series, aerobics course, or dancing lessons, etc. Then, after the group disbands, the friendship ends. The couple splits and each moves on to pursue new interests and make new friends. Although their relationship wasn’t destined to last a lifetime or evolve into a romance, they’re generally better off for having had it. We’d miss a lot if we didn’t have cross-gender friendships. These friendships can help us understand God more completely because we see the complementary nature of the way we were created as his children and the way we bear his image as men and women.

These benefits don’t end when we marry.  Some people believe that avoiding opposite-sex friendships is the best line of defense against any kind of moral transgression.  The problem with that strategy is that it’s impossible to maintain. We do interact with the opposite sex at work, at church, in school, and in our neighborhoods. Cross-gender friendships are inevitable, and so are the risks. Friendships are based on attraction and attraction can lead to romance. However, just as people choose to take the “next step” and know precisely when they take it, so too can they choose to remain “just friends” instead. The secret is in setting limitations and sticking to them. To help you reap the rewards and avoid the risks of cross-gender relationships, whether you’re single or married, experts offer these pointers.

Set your boundaries early. It’s noon. You’ve been working all morning with the guys in the office, and now they’re suggesting lunch. Whether or not you say “yes” should depend on the boundaries you’ve set well in advance. Some women decline all invitations to do lunch with male coworkers because they believe a change in environment also signals a switch in mood. The backdrop is no longer professional, it’s social. Other women will go along with the group only if the gathering is large and includes several women. Still others may agree to a one-on-one lunch as long as it’s a business lunch or dutch treat. To allow a male companion to pick up the tab seems too much like a date. Boundaries, like ethics, are personal, yet they affect those with whom you interact. The key is to let the Bible be your guide and not be influenced by others who may have set different limitations. The time to plan your answers is before the questions come.

Avoid relational triangles. One temptation occurs when a married woman shares with a platonic male friend the problems in her love life, or vice versa, in the hope that the friend can supply insights from the opposite-sex viewpoint. This kind of exclusive emotional intimacy can be as threatening to marriage as physical intimacy. Personal issues are best settled by the husband and wife.

Watch for clues. Friendships change, and we need to be constantly adjusting our boundaries to either curb or encourage the changes. Sometimes the move from friendship to romance is welcomed, sometimes it isn’t. It is at that moment that a woman has to decide how she will adjust the boundaries of their friendship to accommodate the change. The keys are her feelings and her status. If married, she will be courteous but cool; if single and interested, she may pause to talk.

Celebrate your differences. Experts used to say that a friendship between a married man and woman should always include the spouses. The problem with that advice is that spouses don’t always share the interest that’s the basis of the duo’s friendship. Two coworkers may be capable of spending hours in animated shop talk, but when their mates join the mix, the conversation slows to a crawl. As a foursome, they have little in common. One of the advantages of male-female friendships is that they can reduce the expectations we place on our spouse. For example, I may not like to fidget with computers, but that doesn’t mean my husband should be deprived of his favorite pastime. A neighborhood users group that includes men and women can keep him online and me off the hook.

Be aware of the impression you’re making. Regardless of the innocence of your male-female friendship, people can get the wrong idea if you and your pal spend too much time together, are exclusive of others, or are seen in strange places at odd hours. Sharing a soft drink during your break at the office is one thing, and dawdling over a cup of coffee after hours is another. Carpooling in the morning may make sense, but taking the scenic route home is nonsense. First Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (KJV). Be aware of the messages you’re sending: They may be difficult to retrieve.

Ask yourself: Is God in this relationship? I’ve always believed that the Lord brings people into our life for special reasons. Maybe we need someone to ease our burden at work, share a hobby, make us laugh, solve a problem, give us advice, set an example, or strengthen our faith. The Lord doesn’t put people in our path to tempt us, drive a wedge in our marriage, or cause us to stray from our values. As we pray for God’s blessing on all our friendships, we should ask for his special guidance and protection as we set boundaries for our male-female relationships. A simple question to ask is: Is this friendship God-honoring? When we sense God’s approval and have set appropriate boundaries, we can truly enjoy one of life’s richest blessings—the gift of friendship.

Is all the rage we’re feeling today justified?

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (Proverbs 29:11, NIV)

Getting angry is a temptation. What we do after that can lead to sin. If God doesn’t want us to escape our anger, we need to see what’s worth getting mad about in the first place, and second, what God wants us to do with those feelings.

Worth Getting Angry About?
Much of what gets us worked up could be classified as anger, that time-wasting, ego-bruising pain that threatens to make us lose control. But stress is rising. Pile up enough of those insults, and we’re ready to explode. If we’re not careful, we can say or do something we’ll be sorry for later.

God recommends patience toward these aggravations. They will never stop, so we need to learn how to handle them:

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7, NIV)

There is a hint that something bigger is going on. These annoyances are frustrating, yes, but God is in control. If we truly believe that, we can wait for him to work. We don’t need to jump in, thinking God’s off napping somewhere.

Distinguishing between petty touches and serious injustice can be difficult, especially when we’re unreasonable because we are the victim. We can blow things out of proportion.

Patience is not our natural reaction, though. How about revenge? Or holding a grudge? Or shock when God doesn’t immediately zap the other person with a lightning bolt?

Growing a thicker skin so these insults bounce off is not easy. We hear so much today about our “rights” that we see every slight, intended or not, as a personal attack against us. Much of what gets us angry is just thoughtlessness. People are rushed, self-centered, worried about their own little world.

Even when someone is knowingly rude, we need to resist the urge to lash out in kind. Jesus tells his followers to abandon that “eye for an eye” attitude. If we want nastiness to stop, we need to set the example.

Foolish Consequences
We can seek to live our lives under the control of the Holy Spirit or we can let the sinful nature of our flesh have its way. It’s a choice we make every day. We can either turn to the Lord for patience and strength or we can allow potentially destructive emotions like anger to run free. If we choose the end, God’s Word cautions us over and over of consequences.

Proverbs 14:17 says, “A quick-tempered man does foolish things.” Proverbs 16:32 follows with this encouragement: “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” Summing these up is James 1:19-20: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (NIV)

Don’t Be a Doormat
How are we to respond to personal attacks, to the betrayals, thievery, and injuries that hurt us so deeply?

Jesus may have been speaking in exaggeration, but he also told his followers to be as “shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16, NIV). We are to protect ourselves without stooping to the level of our attackers. An angry outburst accomplishes little, besides satisfying our emotions. It also gratifies those who believe all Christians are hypocrites.

Jesus told us to expect persecution. The nature of today’s world is that someone is always trying to take advantage of us. If we are sharp yet innocent, we will not be as shocked when it happens and will be better prepared to deal with it peacefully.

Getting angry is a natural human emotion that need not lead us into sin—if we remember that God is a God of justice and we use our anger in a way that honors him.

In a sense, loneliness is like a toothache: It’s a warning signal that something is wrong. And like a toothache, if it’s left untreated, it usually gets worse. Your first response to loneliness may be to self-medicate – to try home remedies to make it go away. You may think that if you fill your life with so many activities that you don’t have time to think about your loneliness, and you’ll be cured. But busyness misses the message. It’s like trying to heal a toothache by taking your mind off it. Busyness is only a distraction, not a cure.

Like me, perhaps you have thought that if you purchase something new, if you “reward” yourself, you’ll feel better. And surprisingly, you do feel better – but only for a short while. Buying things to fix your loneliness is like a painkiller. Sooner or later the numbing effect wears off. Then the pain comes back as strong as ever before. Buying can also compound your problems with a mountain of credit card debt.

You also may believe that intimacy is what you need, so you make an unwise choice. Like the prodigal son, after you come to your senses, you’re horrified to discover that this attempt at a cure not only makes loneliness worse, it also makes you desperate and settle for almost anything. This response to loneliness always ends in feelings of isolation and regret.

We need to begin with a correct understanding of this warning signal. Loneliness is God’s way of telling us that we have a relationship problem. While that may seem understandable, there’s more to it than just surrounding ourselves with people. Doing that is the same as busyness, but using crowds instead of activities.

God’s answer to loneliness is not the quantity of your relationships, but the quality.

How is your relationship with God? Is it close and intimate, like that of a loving, caring father and his child? Or is your relationship with God cold and distant, only superficial?

As you reconnect with God and your prayers become more conversational and less formal, you’ll actually feel God’s presence. His reassurance is not just your imagination. We worship a God who lives among his people through the Holy Spirit. Loneliness is God’s way, first, of drawing us closer to him, then forcing us to reach out to other people.

For many of us (like me) improving our relationships with others and letting them get close to us is a unpleasant cure, as dreaded as taking your toothache to a dentist. But satisfying, meaningful relationships take time and work. We’re afraid to open up. We’re afraid to let another person open up to us.

Friendship requires giving, but it also requires taking, and many of us would rather be independent. Yet the persistence of your loneliness should tell you that your past stubbornness didn’t work either.

If you gather the courage to restore your relationship with God, then with others, you’ll find your loneliness lifting. This is not a spiritual Band-Aid, but a real cure that works.

Your risks toward others will be rewarded. You’ll find someone who understands and cares, and you’ll find others whom you understand and care about as well. Like a visit to the dentist, this cure turns out to be not only final, but much less painful than you feared.

• Spend most of your time with God in praise and worship. Letting God know how much you love and appreciate him never gets old to God. In fact, praise and worship is the key that opens God’s heart.
• Come to God just as you are with an open heart. Letting God see all that’s in your heart, good or bad, lets him know that you value your relationship enough to let him see it all, and do whatever he needs to do.
• Look for opportunities to offer God praise and worship in things around us. All you need to do is see a beautiful sunset or one of the many other wonders of nature to offer God praise and thanksgiving for that miraculous blessing. God appreciates a grateful heart.
• Don’t be afraid to show God how you truly feel as you worship him. There are those who don’t feel comfortable raising their hands or showing any emotion during worship services. Yet we can be found at sporting events or concerts whooping, clapping, and hollering as if it really mattered. I’m not saying you have to jump up and down or shout. Simply standing with open hands shows God that your heart is open and you want to feel his presence.

And most importantly:

• Don’t judge, look down on, or criticize someone else because they want to show emotions and energy as they worship. Just because an expression of worship is different than your own doesn’t mean it is inappropriate or wrong. Concentrate on worshipping God yourself, so your focus remains on building your own relationship with him.

Praise and worship can be one of the most powerful ways to help you build your relationship with God. There is nothing better than feeling the love, peace, and acceptance of God’s presence all around you.

But remember, like a parent, God is looking for that ongoing relationship. When he sees your open heart and your desire to get to know him for who he is, his heart opens to hear all you have to say.

1.      Decide On a Time.

If you view your time spent alone with God as an appointment to be kept in your daily calendar, you will be less suitable to miss or skip it. There is no “right” and “wrong” time of day. I prefer having my devotions first thing in the morning as this is the least likely time of day for an interruption. I seldom receive a call from a friend at 6:00 a.m. Whatever time of day you choose, let it be the best time of day for you. Perhaps a lunch break fits better into your agenda.

2.       Decide On a Place.

Finding the right place is key to your success. If you try to spend quality time with God lying in bed with the lights off, failure is expected. I decided to make a place specifically for my devotions. I chose a comfortable chair with a good reading light. Next to it I put a basket with all of my “tools” – my Bible, pen, journal, devotional book and reading plan etc. When I get up in the morning, I simply go to my place and everything is ready.

3.       Decide On a Time Frame.

Once again, there is no standard time frame for personal devotions. You have to decide how much time you can realistically commit to each day. Getting started with 15 minutes a day can quickly develop into more. Some people can commit to 30 minutes, others an hour or more a day. Start with a realistic goal that you feel you can meet. If you start with a plan of 2 hours a day, failure to meet the goal will quickly discourage you.

4.       Decide on a General Structure.

Spend time in thought on a general structure for your devotional and how much time you’ll spend on each element of your plan. This would be like an outline or agenda for your meeting, so you don’t wander about aimlessly in thought and end up accomplishing nothing. The following four steps will cover some of the typical elements you can include.

5.       Choose a Bible Reading Plan or Bible Study.

This may take some time, but choosing a Bible reading plan or study guide will aid you in having a more focused time of reading and study. If you just pick up your Bible and start reading randomly each day, you may have a difficult time understanding what you read, or applying it to your daily life.

6.       Plan to Spend Some Time in Prayer.

Prayer is simply two-way communication between you and God. Talking to Him, telling Him about your struggles and cares and then listening for His voice. Some Christians don’t realize prayer includes listening. Remember to give Him time to speak to you in His still small voice [I Kings 19:12 (NKJV)] . Also, one of the loudest ways God speaks to us is through His Word. Spend some time meditating on what you read and letting God speak into your life.

7.       Consider Spending Some Time in Worship.

God has created us to praise Him. I Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people…belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (NIV)
You can express your praises silently or declare them in a loud voice. There is no right or wrong way. You may even want to sing a song of worship in your devotional time.

8.       Consider Spending Some Time Writing in a Journal.

Many Christians find that “journaling” helps them stay on track during their devotional time with God. You can journal your thoughts and prayers, providing a valuable record. Later you will be amazed and encouraged when you go back and note the progress you’ve made or see the evidence of answered prayers. Journaling is not for everyone. I suggest you give it a try and see if it’s right for you.

9.      Commit to Follow Your Daily Devotional Plan.

Keeping your commitment is probably the hardest part of getting started. Determine in your heart to keep it up, even when you fail or miss a day. Rather than beating yourself up when you mess up, just pray and ask God to help you. And, be sure to start over the next day. The rewards you will experience as you grow deeper in love with God will definitely be worth it!

10.     Be Flexible and Willing to Make Changes to Your Plan.

If you get stuck in a rut, try going back to step #1. Perhaps the plan you’ve chosen is not right for you. Change it up until you find the perfect fit.

Tips:

1. Keep working at your spending time with God plan for 21 days. By then it should become a custom.
2. Pray for God to give you the desire and the discipline to spend time with him each day.
3. Don’t give up. Eventually you will discover the joys and blessings of your obedience.
4. If you are married, consider developing a couple’s devotional plan.

by Anita Reese

Prayer is not a mysterious practice reserved only for clergy and the spiritually dedicated. Prayer is simply communicating with God – listening and talking to him. Believers can pray from the heart, freely, spontaneously, and in their own words. If prayer is a difficult area for you, learn these basics principles of prayer and how to apply them in your life.

What Does the Bible Have to Say About Prayer?

The Bible has a lot to say about prayer. The first mention of prayer is found in Genesis, chapter 4.

Genesis 4:26
And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the LORD. (NKJV)

What is the Correct Posture for Prayer?

There is no correct or certain posture for prayer. In the Bible people prayed on their knees (1 Kings 8:45), bowing (Exodus 4:31), on their faces before God (2 Chronicles 20:18; Matthew 26:39), and standing (1 Kings 8:22). You may pray with your eyes opened or closed, quietly or out loud — however you are most comfortable and least distracted.

Why Should I Pray?

Prayer Develops Our Relationship with God.
If we never speak to our spouse or never listen to anything our spouse might have to say to us, our marriage relationship will quickly deteriorate. It is the same way with God. Prayer – communicating with God – helps us grow closer and more intimately connected with God.

Zechariah 13:9
I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure, just as gold and silver are refined and purified by fire. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’ “ (NLT)

John 15:7
But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! (NLT)

The Lord Instructed Us to Pray.
One of the simplest reasons to spend time in prayer is because the Lord instructed us to pray. Obedience is a natural by-product of discipleship.

Matthew 26:41
“Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!” (NLT)

Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (NIV)

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (NIV)

What If I Don’t Know How to Pray?

The Holy Spirit will help you in prayer when you don’t know how to pray.

Romans 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. (NIV)

Why are Some Prayers Not Answered?

Sometimes our prayers are not answered. The Bible gives several reasons or causes for failure in prayer:

• Disobedience – Deuteronomy 1:45; 1 Samuel 14:37
• Secret Sin – Psalm 66:18
• Indifference – Proverbs 1:28
• Neglect of mercy – Proverbs 21:13
• Despising the Law – Proverbs 28:9
• Bloodguiltiness – Isaiah 1:15
• Iniquity – Isaiah 59:2; Micah 3:4
• Stubbornness – Zechariah 7:13
• Instability or Doubt – James 4:3

Sometimes our prayers are refused. Prayer must be in accord with God’s divine will.

1 John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV)