A Joyous Relationship

I know that the Leper and the Lamb series can get a bit heavy. So, today I would like to lighten it up a bit and discuss a precious gift that we so often take for granted...prayer.

Paul commanded the people of "The Way" to continually pray: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (Eph 6:18)

There are two primary objectives for us to keep in mind when making prayer a part of our lives. The first is to praise God for who He is and what He has done; the other is the privilege of making request during our conversation with Him. We see this in the Lord's prayer when it speaks first of God's name, kingdom and his will on earth. The prayer proceeds with petitions to give us things, forgive us, lead us and deliver us. In addition to praising God and making request, there is the wonderful freedom of having a conversation with our creator.

This is a deeper and more personal type of prayer in which you share your personal ideas and emotions. After a relationship is built, we are able to perceive what God wants to share with us. Most of us pray with praise and request, but only a few people spend the time necessary to enjoy a real exchange with God. When the Holy Spirit has been given rule of our soul, it is possible through Jesus, to have genuine fellowship with the Almighty. Of course, many people are so busy with earthly activities they will never take the time to cultivate this close friendship with God. And what a shame that is! To experience a close relationship with the Lord of all creation, the all-powerful, the all-knowing God is like nothing else any human can experience.

There are times when Christians find it difficult to pray because of some weakness or sin in their life. We must have faith in the grace we have been given as Christians and believe that the Holy Spirit will help remedy anything that stands between us and God. We must then be willing for the Holy Spirit to make any remedies necessary within ourselves. The Bible says, likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought. (Rom 8:26)

We do not always understand how the Spirit helps us but we certainly need His help when speaking to God. Sometimes we wonder why God would want to hear anything from us. It cannot be for His enlightenment, so He must want us to seek His fellowship and the wonders He provides. The Bible says God loves our prayers and tells us about an altar of incense in heaven; the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God. (Rev 8:4)

What a privilege to have the Almighty listen to our prayers and take pleasure from things the saints have on their hearts! Seek Him today! You'll be glad you do.