Live an effective balanced life

PRAY ​

This is the first of a five part monthly BLOG series about how to live an effective balanced life. It comes from years of experience and a perspective gained by trial and error. Error you ask? Yes, as we progress through life we make mistakes and if we are paying attention to what is going on in our life, in the life of our loved ones and how we respond to them we hopefully live a more fruitful and joyful life by learning from our mistakes. 

The five key words covered in this series are: Pray, a lot; Listen, (wait); God leads: We follow; God blesses. That’s it. Sounds simple enough? Right. Well, not so much. So read on and enjoy the series. The first time in print. Here is what I have learned.

Pray We start with Pray, a lot.  When I mention that I pray a lot I guess I am referring to a lifestyle of prayer. Praying is communion with God and I do that throughout the day. My years sitting in the pew at church, listening to preachers and studying the Bible, God’s word, I realize how important it is to pray. To start the day with prayer. To end the day with prayer. To pray before each meal, thanking God for his provision. To pray in time of need. To pray for others. It is a good idea to pray at the start and finish of each day. “In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.”  Psalm 5:3

It is pretty easy to realize God wants a relationship with us. I have a friend who prays for a good parking place, for little things throughout the day and is always quick to thank God for that great parking place when it happens.

In 2 Chronicles the dedication of the temple is recorded and King Solomon prayed and gave thanks to the Lord - for his steadfast love endures forever. Solomon consecrated the middle court and a seven day feast followed for all of Israel and the Lord appeared to Solomon in the night and revealed himself in a remarkable way saying, “ . . . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14

Usually we are quick to make requests to God for ourselves. Prayer needs to be full of praise to God for the blessings we receive during the day, every day. Perhaps because we pray like this because we know the following: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”  1 John 5:14

But certainly we need to be careful how we pray when they are focused on just us. It is dangerous to pray requesting wants and not needs.  “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”  James 4:3

ACTION POINTS:

• Have you ever prayed for someone? Perhaps God brought them to your mind. Tell them you prayed for them to encourage them. Most people understand the power of prayer.
• Go out of your way to befriend someone who is hurting. Everyone needs a friend or a kind and encouraging word, and especially your prayers for them.

SCRIPTURES:
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.” Psalm 34:15