A Conversation We Need to Have

How many conversations do we have throughout our day? Fifty? One hundred? More? Is God at least one of those conversations on a daily basis?

I know that in my life there have been times that I have neglected prayer mainly because I didn’t know how or really understand the significance of it. This past Wednesday I spoke at my school’s FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and I got to share what I have been learning the past few months, but really this whole year.

First of all, simply put - prayer is just a conversation between you and God. I didn’t fully understand the power and importance until I read through the creation story in Genesis 1. God spoke things into existence. He said let there be light. He called the waters and the land to separate. As humans, we desire a word from God’s mouth because it is so powerful that that is how He created the world in the beginning. I will not discount another word from God. That being said, conversations go two ways. I have been in situations before where I was talking with a friend and almost the entire duration of the conversation was about them. Don’t get me wrong, I love listening but I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. How many times do we do that to God? There have been times I give God my to-do list, and then quickly say I love you and goodnight but I never pause to ask Him what His thoughts are. Prayer is supposed to connect our hearts, not just vent and use God as a genie. That being said, prayer invites God into our lives. God is a gentleman, and He will not come in where He is not invited. He will patiently wait in the hallway until you open the door.

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. James 5:13-15

As Christians, Jesus should be our example for how we live our lives and many times in the Gospels He physically set Himself apart to get alone time with God for a conversation.

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8

Not only is there power in prayer, but we also need to be persistent with our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says “pray without ceasing.” There are seasons when we pray for things, and they don’t happen immediately. I have experienced this just recently because I had been praying a certain prayer for about 5 years, and it was answered a month ago. I went through seasons of loneliness, jealousy, and frustration. I was upset that I didn’t get an instant answer but God showed me all of the lessons He taught me in the waiting. If you are praying for something, don’t give up. God hears you, but His timing is better and maybe take a step back to look at what He could be teaching you in this.

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

One of our primary purposes as Christians is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to unbelievers. A pastor one time said, “Don’t ever talk to someone about God until you’ve talked to God about that person.” We are not powerful enough to save them, but we have direct connection to the One that does. Remember to ask God what He has to say about it.

A tough lesson I’ve also learned recently is that it is okay to ask for prayer. It is really difficult for me to get vulnerable with people and let them know that there is something wrong. There is power, persistence, and comfort in letting others pray for you.

20 For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Matthew 18:20

6 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

Never neglect a conversation with the Creator of the Universe. He so desires a conversation with you. Also, let us know if you need prayer for anything because our team would be more than happy to pray for you!!