Prayer Works
I now realize that my “relationship” with God was never truly a relationship at all until I started talking to Him. Looking back at the old me, I often wonder how I could have missed such an essential part of journeying with Christ Jesus. I never prayed—never. It wasn’t a priority, and if I’m being honest, I never believed God would answer my prayers. I knew He was real based on the testimonies of others, but I didn’t have a story of my own to lean on.
My belief in God was based solely on other people’s experiences with Him, not my own. I was a church girl, but I wasn’t a praying girl—or a truly believing one. The trials of life at a very young age led me to assume that my cries for help would never be heard by the Most High. So I never prayed.
To be honest, even now there are moments when I have to force myself to keep praying for the same few things I’ve been seeking God for—for years. Sometimes it feels like I’m beating a dead horse. It’s hard to believe that God is listening when year after year goes by and I’m still waiting. I get it.
But here is what I’ve learned: my attitude toward consistent prayer has changed everything. Not because my situations have changed, but because through prayer, my perspective and attitude regarding my waiting season have changed—making waiting far more bearable. As I pray daily, and multiple times a day, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders, knowing I am completely relying on God to come through for me. Prayer allows me to rest, knowing that once I humble myself before Him, the outcome is in His hands.
Prayer doesn’t just change situations—it changes us. Our faith grows when our hearts and words agree with the will of God concerning the circumstances of our lives. Prayer adds fuel to an already lit flame within us:
“Not our will, Lord, but Your will be done.”
When you pray according to God’s will, and wait according to His will, you can be still, knowing that He is who He says He is, and He is not a man that He would lie.
God had to deepen my prayer life, and He did so by revealing what could be. The future He desires for me is only possible through Him, and through prayer I return to Him daily—humbly acknowledging that I have no control over the outcome. Prayer reminds me who is truly in charge.
So if your prayer life isn’t where it should be today, can you truly claim a relationship with God? Relationships grow through communication and time spent together. Just as we nurture earthly relationships, God desires that we nurture our relationship with Him in the same way.
The more I prayed, the more prayer stopped feeling like a task that needed to be checked off a list. It became a way of life—a necessity—a part of who I am.
Prayer does not have to be perfect. It can be messy, unpolished, scattered, emotional, frustrated, repetitive—in other words, it can look exactly like you. Most of us are messy and all over the place. Just talk to God. Go for a walk, go for a drive, sit on your bed, sit in your car—wherever you are, just lay your heart before Him. He is ready and willing to listen.
Most importantly—and I learned this later on my journey—find time to listen for His responses. Communication includes silence. Find a quiet space and sit still before Him.
Lastly, read your Word. The Word of God is the heart of God. Another way to hear Him respond is through Scripture. It is His voice in written form.
That’s all for today, friends.
If you feel God calling you deeper into your prayer life as you journey with Him, take your first step today. Find a quiet place, sit with God, and tell Him what has been on your heart and mind lately.
Scriptures to reflect on:
Matthew 7:7
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"
Luke 11:9
"I tell you: ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened to you"
John 16:24
"Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete"
