Prayer changes things, but prayer changes us more.

I think a lot about prayer and how it changes our lives. When I consider the amazing ways situations suddenly take a turn through prayer, I am reminded we are not alone. It is both encouraging and comforting, and in my own life, I have been the recipient of many prayer blessings from others. But, have you ever noticed how prayer changes us when we are the one doing the praying?

If you are a Christian and like to give gifts, I imagine you enjoy prayer. It is a way to give yourself and your time as a gift. But, the incredible part of prayer is the way it also changes the giver.

First, prayer changes us because prayer is two way communication with God our Father drawing us closer to him.

Secondly, when in prayer, we open ourselves up to God’s guidance, love, compassion, and everything that is holy and beautiful.

I am reminded of what God desires for us when I read Philippians 4:8.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things.” 

As we pray, our heart is revealed to us.

God shows us where we are falling short, what we need. He will soften our hearts. He will make our prayers more unselfish, kind, and effective. To be clear, some of God’s answer will be our own internal change.

Some prayer requires some quiet and focus. It is meditative, an act of worship.

Bowing our heads causes us to stop the hurrying to and for and just be quiet. When we are still, we can hear God’s voice. We rest and recharge as we become listeners.

Psalm 46:10a Be still and know that I am God.

But God also strengthens us as we sit in his presence, reinvigorates us for the fight.

He moves mountains. 

Prayer changes us by connecting us to God’s plans and desires for us.

To know him and to know his ways takes spending time with him.

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.

It makes us less selfish, encourages humility.

When we focus on someone’s best interests and pray for their well-being, we move closer to the level of humility it takes to really serve. It requires us to think of someone else and consider their needs. 

Ask him what to pray. Allow God to direct and guide prayer.

Allow humility to clear your path to prayer. Ask God to let you see his truth and give understanding.

Sometimes prayer is waging war against evil in the world, so it is proactive and gives us something we can personally do to right great wrongs.

Whenever I feel discouraged or question what is happening in the world, my next thought is to pray. As I cover our country in prayer, I join millions of people praying in one accord for God’s will in the U.S.  Knowing that we are many encourages me and keeps me going.

Prayer changes things, but it changes us more.

Barefoot and writing,

Kim

For more on how prayer changes us,  consider this post from Club 31 Women https://club31women.com/powerful-prayer-change/ 

Also this post from Emily Tomko about prayer and worship as warfare.