Prayer changes things. A few weeks ago I posted on Facebook a picture of my “prayer board”. It seemed like something a few of my friends might like to make for themselves because…I’ve got PRAYING friends! These friends keep journals, lists, notecards, mirror notes, and notebooks filled with requests from those who know they are committed to their prayer life. If you ask them to pray for you – IT IS DONE! No need to worry that it will be forgotten or “quickly mentioned”. My praying friends will labor over their prayers for you.
Me…a work in progress. For sixty years, I have prayed. Those prayers were heartfelt, sincere, confident and trusting (and possibly a bit complacent). The last eighteen months have taught me more about prayer and trusting in those prayers than all my previous years here on earth. When your world crumbles around you…you begin to understand David’s heart in Psalm 61 “…when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” David understood the healing power of prayer.
Prayer heals your heart…it shelters your soul.
“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. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:26-28
When we don’t know what to pray – the Spirit does.
When we don’t have the words – the Spirit does.
When we are broken – He holds the pieces in the palm of His hand.
The simple definition of prayer is talking to God. But there really is no “simple” when we go to our Father in prayer. We can go to our Father because of a prayer He answered…”No”.
“O Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” Matthew 26:39
–Because of love, God said….”No”–
We have the privilege of prayer because of THIS choice.
So often circumstances are overwhelming and we just don’t know how to handle it all. Pay attention sweet friends…We don’t have to! Matthew tells us who to call on when struggles threaten to overtake us. “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, I will give you rest…learn from me…you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
Our Savior…our Lord…our Friend. That is where rest is found.
“Come to Me”
Christ understands our prayers…He understands hope…He understands anguish.
This past week, several of my friends reached out and specifically asked for prayers. Prayers that are needed because life is just really hard right now. These dear friends are on my prayer board. I see their names several times a day and go to our Father in prayer for each of their specific needs. It is an honor and a privilege to stand before the torn veil and lift up the names of these precious friends.
When our friends ask for prayers, we can say yes…because our Father said “no”.
Listen to His Voice,
Lee Ann
