August 10, 2009

Prayer Changes Us

Prayer Changes Us

My neighbour's face was pale, haggard, and tear-stained as she told me that she hadn't slept all night. She had received very upsetting news; she was worried, afraid, and despairing. "It's hopeless," said Sally, "and there's nothing I can do -- nothing anyone can do!" I sympathized with Sally's feelings, but all her despairing, worry, tears, hopelessness, and losing sleep had not changed one single aspect of her situation. I felt greatly blessed to have the opportunity to discuss this with her, but even more so to witness the change in Sally after we prayed about her situation.

When we surrender our troubled hearts to God, faith and hope grow within and bring a measure of instant peace and comfort.

Matthew 21:22 - And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive. (AMP)

Isn't this a perfectly wonderful promise? God does indeed help those who help themselves -- to His Word.

Prayer is taking action. Prayer shows that we acknowledge our need of the Lord's loving, powerful work. Prayer not only changes every situation, it changes us and changes those involved in the situation. God listens and answers our prayers according to His purposes.

Prayer brings us into God's presence, and God's presence restores, renews, and fills us with faith and freedom to function. Prayer draws us to God through our need to know Him and His will. Prayer changes our hearts, bringing our hearts to be in tune with our Lord's heart. We begin to see ourselves and others for whom we pray in the way that our Lord sees us.

The more we sit at His feet, the more we pray to Him, and the more we pray with His Spirit, the more we become like our Lord Jesus.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 - Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (NASB)

Prayer: Loving Lord, thank You that we can ever turn to You in prayer with all adverse news, as well as with thanksgiving for all the good news that comes our way. We praise You, Lord, for all that You are, and all that You do in every situation of our lives. Thank You for the wonderful changes You bring about in us as we come to spend time in Your beautiful presence. Amen and Amen.

Rosemary Renninson
Westbury, Victoria, Australia

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