“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6
Do you struggle with prayer? When I say this, I mean, do you have a hard time praying? I sure do. I love the movie War Room. I want to be the little lady who prays like the prayer warrior lady. I am not there yet, but one day I will be. I struggle with praying. I am a simple prayer. I desire to be a prayer warrior. Does prayer come easy to you? If it does, that is exciting!
Praying means living like Jesus. He spent time in prayer and talking with God every day and often on that day. Read the following verses. Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, Luke 6: 12. In these verses, where did Jesus pray, and was there anything unique?
Jesus knew the value of prayer. He also knew to do things later. I have learned that making God first in my mornings helps me focus on God throughout my day. When I start my day out with him first, I hear him speaking to me throughout the day. Let’s take a look at why Jesus prayed.
Prayer is a connection to God. Why does Jesus need to pray if He also is fully God. Read Philippians 2:6 and Hebrews 1:3. Jesus was also fully human. Read Luke 1:31 and Philippians 2:7. The bible even references Jesus’s development as a human being in learning wisdom and obedience. Read Luke 2:52. Jesus prayed to stay connected to His Heavenly Father. Prayer also helped His human nature.
Read Matthew 6:9-13. This is the prayer that Jesus used to teach us how to pray. What does He teach us? How connected do you feel when you pray? What are some of the difficulties or distractions around you or in your mind that keep you from feeling or being connected to God? Isn’t it amazing that we can pray to God to helps us flee temptation!
Prayer helps us in Preparation and Gratitude. God can lead and guides us in our steps. Do you believe this? Is this a hard area for you? Read Matthew 15: 36, Luke 6:12-13, and Luke 10:21. What are some key moments in these verses?
Prayer helps us live out our purpose. This also can be hard, especially when we know that it is going to cost us. Read Matthew 26:36-44. Where did Jesus and the disciples go to pray? What does Jesus pray? How many times did Jesus pray that prayer?
Prayer is a wonder. We need prayer. Even when it is hard to pray, stop, slow down and focus on just talking with God.
