God’s Gift of Prayer

Communication has come a long way. My children will never know the sound of a busy signal on the phone or the unique sound of a modem trying to access dial-up internet access. In the same way, I didn’t experience party lines or asking the operator to connect me to the person I was trying to call. Before that, the only way to talk to someone was to walk to their house or send a letter through the post, which could take days or weeks to arrive. Now, we have nearly instant access to all our friends.

God’s been ahead of the curve since the beginning, though. He invented the “always on, always connected” mode we’re in with our smartphones. He was there first, and still is even more available to us than even the fastest internet connection or texting app. Perhaps one of God’s greatest gifts to us is His time and attention, this “always available” approach to relationship.

We can’t top this in any of our human relationships. Which of your friends is always available, no matter the time of day? Some may be close, but I bet there are still times they’re in the bathroom or putting a kid down to bed or asleep. Yet, God is always available. He doesn’t take any breaks. He’s never too busy. He’s always ready to listen to what’s on our hearts. He never tires of our conversation.

Prayer is one of God’s great gifts to us

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 6:7-11 NIV)

Just think about that verse a moment. As you’re starting to pick the perfect presents for each person on your Christmas list, just think about the even better gifts God wants to give you, if only you’ll ask Him!

Prayer is the gift of God’s presence and relationship

What could be better than instant access to God? Prayer is how we enter into conversation with God and form a relationship with Him. We don’t have to climb to the mountaintop, trek to a sacred spot, or venture into the inner chamber to talk to God. He’s always available, wherever we are, at any time of day or night.

Jesus tells us everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds, and the one who knocks will have the door opened. God’s always right there waiting for us to simply ask, seek, knock.

Prayer is how He guides us and provides direction for our lives. Prayer is how he provides comfort and strength in our life’s greatest challenges. Prayer is how he calms and comforts our hearts when we’re grieving. Prayer is how He communicates with us and leads to us to His better future.

Prayer is how God enters our lives and heals our hearts

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your presence and availability to us. Thank you for wanting to spend time with us and always being ready to listen. Thank you for this great gift of Your time, Your guidance, Your strength, Your comfort, Your relationship. Help us to accept this gift and use it in our lives, to connect with You through prayer and really get to know You, to listen for Your responses and follow Your guide. Amen.

Resources:

If you want to experience the power of prayer for yourself – or want to give the gift of prayer to someone in your life – try a “21 Days of Prayer” challenge. For three weeks, focus on prayer and explore prayer more deeply. I have created several resources to help.

1. Subscribe below to receive these blog posts in your inbox and I’ll send you a free 21-day devotional prayer guide, “Surrender Your Heart.”
2. I’ve also written several 21-day devotional prayer journals, called “Pray Deep.” These are now available on Amazon and other online book sellers.

{These are affiliate links – and my own books – so any purchases help sustain this blog.}