1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
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Pray with out ceasing struck me as odd when I first read it. I couldn't get it out of my mind....I have to work, drive, shop, talk to people etc., how am I suppose to have time to pray all day???
What is Prayer?
I used these images to illustrate times people pray which explained the Bible verse above. By talking with God all day it first creates a relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit resides in you so He is your closest friend. I have talked to God now for a while and let me tell you it makes all the difference. Whether I need strength to lift my trailer on to my truck, help me find my keys, watch over my dog, Gabriel, to be sure he doesn't take off on me, to troubles with finances, neighbors mad at my crosses, trying to get my business approved, to being told where to buy my truck! Or just hey God, thank you for the roof over my head, thank you for the unexpected check in the mail! Do you think I should color my hair, can you help me create a website? And non stop gratitude.
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I look back at my green days and chuckle. I would ask God 6 words a day and look them up for meaning. I was clueless but you know, there was meaning in the ones He sent! I have them journaled and will share all one day.
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I shouted at God in deep despair, in my testimony, and just like that the "gentle whisper" the Bible speaks of, He called my name and told me to calm myself down. He talked me down and that's when my peace began. It always reminds me of when the prophet Elijah ran and held up in a cave with His despair and His talk with God.
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The second reason for praying without ceasing is that it keeps us thinking positive thoughts not allowing sinful ones in. The kind that beat ourselves up, "you look a mess today whose going to notice someone like you", "nobody likes they way you think", "your business is failing", "your marriage is a train wreck", "you know they're talking about you don't you?"
"Holidays coming up and you have nothing in the bank loser!"
"Have another drink you deserve it with the stress you've had", take another hit and feel nothing"...​
"You will never be good enough for God you've done too much!"
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On earth we have 3 enemies. The flesh (ourselves), Satan, and the world. More on that topic elsewhere. What ever thoughts you have it's your enemy trying to distance you from God. If you have a relationship of communication, love, gratitude, respect, God is all over you.
As it says in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
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Whenever you hear or feel like you are never good enough for God, your right hence you need God! Because of Jesus, we are clean before the Lord. All He sees is beauty and loves who we are. There is no dark sinful past. Washed clean by Jesus' blood on the cross.
Why Are We to Pray?
God has His will and we have our will. The only way God can help us is when we ask for it. That gives God permission to intervene for us. It is how we build our relationship with God. It is where we can ask questions and find answers. "The Meaning of Prayer" below with Chuck Missler.
How Do We Pray?
This video is by Pastor Carter Conlon and his personal journey of prayer life. It's comical yet so informative and let's you know your not alone! I always thought prayer was on the knees, not that I don't ever, but I always thought it was formal never realizing the relationship part. The conversation through out my day. Let me know your thoughts on the video!
Where Do We Pray?
Like my images showed you, anywhere!!! It takes getting used to because many of us are new, have a vision of what we think prayer life is and are wrong. Just talk to God about anything and everything...remember, "if we abide in God and He abides in us we will be fruitful of much, for apart from Him we can do nothing!" That's why it is prayer in all things. And at the end of that verse it says "if you abide in Him and His Words abide in you, ask what you desire and it shall be done for you, for this glorifies the father, that you will be fruitful of much." The fruits from the Holy Spirit and the gifts are a whole other topic!
So whether in the shower, bathing, driving, cooking, exercising, sewing, anything just talk to God. It really is that simple, don't over complicate it.
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You must remember though. Answered prayers means relationship with God. Walking in His will not your own. It requires patience and with proper attitude. Prayers have to be for others not just always about you. And remember all prayers are answered sometimes it takes a bit to see it and when you do it's a grin! Unless of course it's instantaneous then it's jumping up and down and thinking God is so amazing and WHAHOOOOO!!!!!
Click the images below to listen.
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The Holy Spirit
Jesus
God
My Mornings With Abba
I try to wake early enough each morning to make my hot chocolate, Land O Lakes is amazing to me, pray, and then read what message He might have for me or continue off a section I have been working on. Or just chat!
It's really become a part of our relationship I enjoy each day. Remember, a relationship is only as good as what you put into it. Making God, Jesus, Abba, Lord, Father, what ever name you prefer, first is vital. Learning with God relationship is the relationship of them all. It helps you prepare or better the ones in family, friends, work, etc. relationships.
The Power of Group Prayer
"Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name I am in the midst of them." Matt 8:20
Below Carter Conlon regarding Damin Hamlin and how the prayers took impact.
Help Change Lives are some good living words. Check out that page!
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Have you checked out the Hidden Messages page yet?
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One way to bring out positive thoughts and words comes from different motivation.