1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask— we know that we have what we asked of him.
Does it ever feel like prayer is a waste of time? Do you wonder to yourself if prayer really works? Sometimes Satan’s lies are so loud in our ears and hearts, it’s hard to experience God’s truth in prayer.
Our prayer lives will be much more effective if we spend the majority of our time listening instead of talking. When we are asking Him for His perspective, we will experience peace as we get used to His will, instead of what we had planned.
Remember when you were young and in a crowd and all you could see was the backs of people’s legs at events like parades. Prayer is like asking your heavenly Father to put you on His shoulders so you can see what He sees.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This new perspective allows us to know what to pray for. And just like a child trusts the safety of the father’s shoulders to get a better view, our faith in the Lord means we can be at peace, even when things get hectic in the crowd. We know He has us, and our vision is clear.
James 5:14-16
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through these scriptures?