Prayer

Prayer is first and foremost a privilege.  Do we ever really stop and think about the fact that the Creator and Sustainer of the universe invites us to speak to Him about anything and everything...and He not only takes the time to listen to us, but He also answers?  Because we are given such an invaluable opportunity, it behooves us to take advantage of it, and to take advantage often!  However, there is a specific protocol involved.  Psalm 145:18 says the Lord is near to all who call upon Him in truth.  In other words come before the Lord with humility and sincerity. Don't think you can come before Him like He's one of your homies!   Don't forget He is the Great I Am, who was and is and is to come!  He knows everything about you - yes EVERYTHING!  He knows you much better than you even know yourself.  As a matter of fact Psalm 139:2 says He knows our thoughts afar off.  That means before the thought is even formed in our minds He already knew it was coming.  WOW!  That in and of itself ought to make us all recognize who God is, and we must certainly come to Him correct if we expect to receive anything from Him, let alone for Him to listen!  James 4:8 says draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Our God delights in hearing from us and granting our requests, but we must come before Him the right way.  Also, we seem to forget that prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue.  When you finish speaking to God, you need to listen for what He has to say to you.  Don't just give Him your to do list and jump up and be on your way.  There may be a requirement of you in receiving what you've asked for or maybe He just wants to talk to you about something else.  Either way, give Him the opportunity to speak.  In doing so you will find your prayer life will become more enriched than you could possibly imagine!  Life with our Father God through our Lord Jesus Christ is an extremely beautiful thing - one I do not take for granted.  Give your all to God in your prayer life, in your thoughts, and in your actions.  I promise you your life will never be the same!