Lately, I've had something on my mind and in my heart; so after just sitting with it and allowing myself to think of every hypothetical situation concerning it, I finally just sat at my desk and started talking out loud to God. Just God and me, while sitting at the desk that I am now sitting at to write this post. Praying and talking to God about what has been on my heart in itself made me feel better because I know that He listens and cares and that no matter what happens, I will be okay.
When I used to follow a more progressive, prosperity Christianity, I used to only go to God in order to get something, even my worship time was just to get an answer. I've since repented of that because God is not my genie, so I guess a part of me forgot that I can pray for things on my heart besides for other people. What it comes down to is all about your mindset and approach. Are you going to God expecting a wish granted or are you asking for guidance, wisdom, or for God's Will to be done and for His glory?
When we pray, we are always to ask for God's Will to be done instead of our own. Considering God is omniscient, wouldn't we want His Will over our own anyway? Asking for God's will to be done in the situations means that going in, you acknowledge that God knows best, and although He can do all things, it just may not be a part of His plan. We may not know why prayers may not be answered in the way we expect them to be, even if it leads to nothing done, but we always need to keep in mind that He knows everything and His ways are higher (Isa.55:8-9). We only see a speck when God can see the whole picture.
Nevertheless, the best thing you can do is always turn to God when you're facing any type of situation. Worry and anxiety, even over the smallest of things is not healthy or productive. Instead of spending your time searching for answers in all the wrong places, go to God who holds all the answers and every tomorrow. Even if it's something that seems insignificant to you, take the burden of worry off yourself and hand it over to God. We may be tempted to keep checking on what we left with Him to take care of, but we need to have faith that God will handle it in the best way possible. We may not get answers right away or any answer, but in that time of lack of clarity, we can learn best to lean on God. It's never bad to depend on and turn to God in every circumstance and situation in life. We should pray about everything. Every step we take, God will not be annoyed by you constantly turning to Him. Even after I've prayed, anytime I still think about what's been on my mind, I will pray again, daily and even multiple times a day.
Prayer is one of the kindest gifts you can give to someone. If someone comes to mind, then you should stop and pray for them. If you're missing someone, pray for them. If you're interested in someone, pray for them. You should especially pray for someone you are having trouble with or are upset with. It will help you be less upset and is asking God to work in their life. Pray for your loved ones daily, and it makes your day go better too because you know that they're covered by God throughout their day.
Lastly, even in the worry and unknown, even in the darkest times and toughest trials, always give thanks to God. If it's hard to find something to be thankful for, always remember that you have salvation in Jesus Christ to be thankful for. Thank God for coming incarnate as Jesus Christ to die on the cross and raise again, reconciling us to Him through Jesus taking on the full wrath of God for our sins. This is the good news that you can find eternal joy in. Hoy doesn't come from circumstances but out of our assurance of eternal life though Christ.
Scripture on Prayer
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
1 John 5:14-15 (ESV)
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)
"Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'"
Colossians 4:2 (ESV)
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Jeremiah 29:12 (ESV)
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you."
Luke 6:27-28 (ESV)
"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."
Romans 12:12 (ESV)
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
James 4:3 (ESV)
"You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."
By: Bible and Hot Cocoa (IG: @bibleandhotcocoa)
Jules is the founder of Bible and Hot Cocoa. She is a law student with a passion for standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves, such as unborn babies, and for connecting families through adoption. In any free time, she loves to read (Victorian lit is her favorite), study theology, write, and draw or paint. Jules's favorite book of the Bible would have to be a tie among John, Psalms, and Romans (as of now), and her favorite figure besides Jesus is King David or Paul.
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