“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

People often ask, what is God’s will for me? Prayer is one thing. It is His will for each of us to pray. We pray not out of obligation but from a heart of gratitude for our love for Jesus and all He has done for us.

Praying is our link of communication to our Heavenly Father. As we go to the Most High in prayer, we will find Him. It isn’t only for those with eloquent words. I am way better at writing a prayer than speaking it out loud in front of people. 

Initially, I was intimidated to pray out loud, but then I realized God doesn’t need fancy prayers. He wants my heart. I talk to Him like I am talking a friend. He is not only my Lord and Savior, He is my best friend too.

Powerful things happen when we immerse ourselves in prayer. It opens the door to our hearts to communicate with God. Our words don’t impress God. It’s our hearts that He wants. The power of prayer doesn’t come from us but from our Father who hears them.

Our time with the Lord in prayer brings us peace and guards our hearts and minds. It redirects our focus to the things above and not our circumstances. This is the only thing that helps me keep my sanity with the roller coaster I am on with my mother. It recharges, replenishes, and restores my soul.

Prayer also isn’t supposed to be limited to church, mealtimes or in a crisis. It is a way to communicate with God all day long. When a car cuts across 3 lanes of traffic; Thank You, Jesus that I wasn’t involved in a wreck.

Talking to God isn’t about getting what I want but conforming my mind and heart to His will. Rather than talk it out with myself, I talk it out with God. Communicating to God in this way nurtures my relationship and keeps me connected to Him.  

Our prayers impact our faith. The world outside may not change from my prayers, but my world inside me does. It is a way for us to participate in God’s work in our world. Praying for others is how we help grow God’s kingdom. Effective prayer can accomplish much. If God is laying someone on your heart as you read this, stop and lift them up in prayer right now. Your prayer has a purpose in the heavenly realms.

Father God,

Help me to be one with You. Forgive me when I limit my prayers for You are limitless in all You can do. Conform my mind and heart to Your will. Your Word tells me in James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” When I pray, You are listening. Use me as a prayer warrior. Lead me to how and who I can pray for this week. Thank You for using prayer to redirect my focus back to You and circumstances that seem all consuming. You are Almighty and nothing is too hard for You. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen 

May Verse

“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.

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