Here we are in a new year still facing the same broken world. But hope isn’t lost because we have an all access pass, a direct line to the creator of the universe. Yet, as believers we can fault because we forget or simply don’t know how to reach Him. For many years now I’ve taught my girls a simple acronym. Because I too wasn’t strong in my prayer life. If you’ve ever felt like there was something you were doing wrong or missing during your prayers, or you’re having a difficult time teaching its importance to someone else I hope you’ll find this a blessing.
P is for praise
We all know that in times of trouble we turn to the Lord, and if we don’t we should. We admittedly want to get busy discussing our list of troubles or desires. However, it shouldn’t be lost on us that we are speaking to the Lord of Lords, and Kings of Kings.
Our prayers should start with giving thanks to him for all he has done. No matter the issues or circumstances we face he has been by our side. So take time to think on what you are thankful for and then wholeheartedly bring that to God. For the weather, to your families health it is all thanks to Him.
“…give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”
Psalms 100: 4-5 NLT
R is for repent
News flash you’re a sinner and so am I. In this fallen world we have to fight desires of the flesh not just daily, but sometimes second by second. That’s why we have to come to him with our sins and ask for forgiveness. Not because he doesn’t know them, but because we need to make it known to ourselves. We need to call wrong, wrong. No expectations, no excuses. Doing so is a reflection of our obedience and love for him.
“If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.”
1 John 1: 10
It isn’t easy to do, I know. But as believers we need to be continuously growing. Though that growth can be painful, and even embarrassing. It’s not our ego, but our humility that can draw us closer to God. Because only in our weakness we are reminded of his strength.
A is for ask
This may seem like a no brainer, because we’ve been asking for things since before we knew how to speak. But let us take a moment and really reflect on what it is we think we want or need. At the heart for that desire for a promotion, for example, is it to continue providing financial security for your family, or to one upping your sibling/work colleague/neighbor? This can also apply when praying for others.
I’ve been blessed to have great believers in my life and have learned from them to never shy away from asking God for help, while remembering to ask that above all His well be done. Sometimes we ask for things we believe to be huge when in reality they are small, and pale in comparison to what God has instore for us.
“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.“
Mark 11: 24
Y is for Yes & Amen
God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. I love that statement because it is so easy to be let down and disappointed by this world. But we need to look beyond the here and now. As believers the idea and hope of tomorrow sure brings us joy. With each passing moment we are another step closer to an eternity with him.The peace that brings my heart calms and quiets my fears and anxieties.
Remember, even as the storms of life continue to rage on with no end in sight and tears flood your eyes, our God is a loving God. Or like a Chris Tomlin’s song perfectly remind us; faithful you are, faithful forever you will be, faithful you are, all your promises are yes and Amen
Amen