Step 2 - Take Time to Pray Daily

Have you ever tried to have a relationship with someone without communicating? It could never be a very strong relationship, could it? Good communication is vital to a healthy relationship. In much the same way, prayer is essential to your relationship with the Lord Jesus. How? First prayer provides for your needs. Through prayer, we claim the promises of God: "In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God" (Philippians 4:6). According to His will, God answers our requests (Mark 11:24).
Second, prayer produces change in our perspective. Prayer helps us see things from God's point of view. It prepares us to accept God's will. We are to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Paul learned that whatever answer God gives, His grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9).
Third, prayer preserves and protects our faith. Jesus knew the peril His disciples were in as He faced the Cross. He urged them, even as He does us, to "Pray that you may not enter into temptation" (Luke 22:40). Nothing gives Satan greater pleasure than to cause a believer to stumble. Prayer keeps our focus on the promises and provisions of Christ and off the tempting and testing of Satan.
Yes, prayer is vital to your relationship with Christ because prayer opens you to Him. It opens your mind to God's Word. It opens your heart to experience true worship. It opens your life to participation with other Christians . And, it opens your mouth to share your witness. So, "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5: 17).

A Word from God

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with Thanksgiving.--Colossians 4:2
Read the Lord's Prayer. (You'll find it in Matthew 6:9-13.) It provides a model for how Jesus taught His disciples to pray.

How to Pray

Praise God for His greatness and grace. Express your adoration for your Heavenly Father.
Remember your sins, those bad things you did and those good things you didn't do.
Acknowledge your blessings. It is good to give thanks. "Forget not all his benefits" (Psalm 103:2).
Yearn for God's will and provision in your life. Ask God to provide for your needs and those of others.
Enjoy God's presence. After you finish praying, bask in the reality that you have just talked to God!
Record your petitions and God's answers. Keep a prayer journal to remind you of God's faithfulness.

Digging Deeper

The following verses will encourage you in your praying: II Chronicles 7:14; Matthew 6:6; Romans 8:26; James 5:16; Mark 11:25; Philippians 4:6.

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