God’s grace, love and power – Day 18

Do you still pray? What do you think about prayer?

You can never pray too much – just enough. It is often said that prayer is like breathing. If you stop, you will not live much longer. Prayer is talking to God. By praying, you show that you need the Lord and that you honour him. You realise that you are not on your own – you are talking to the Creator of heaven and earth!

Prayer is not just to ask for something. Prayer is to say thank you and to confess your guilt, to talk to God about everything that lives in your heart. No one who prays will say that it is in vain. God will never say that he has no time for you. He is always there (Matthew 28:20).

The question remains, does it help to pray? If the question means: Does everything happen as I ask? Then one should say: No, not always. There are prayers that are not heard. Sometimes, we pray for people who are sick and then they die without healing. It is a disappointment to us (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

Our life with God is not like a sentimental novel, which always has a good ending. This is because there is something more than just an earthly life. We believe that there is life after life on earth. Often, the Lord does not give the outcome we desire, but he gives the power to accept the outcome (Psalm 138:3).

Meanwhile, Paul comforts us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God … And the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds …” (Philippians 4:6-7).