Today is the National Day of Prayer. It’s a wonderful reminder for Christians to renew our commitment to pray for each other, our country, and our world.
Lately I have been studying prayer and learning to grow closer to God as I spend more time with Him in prayer. The Lord still has much to teach me but I thought today I would share some of what I’ve learned about how prayer changes things.
When I started seeking to deepen my prayer life I hoped to see God change things around me as I learned the ‘right’ way to pray. He has certainly changed things…just not exactly the way I thought!
Here are some changes I’ve seen so far:
A change in PERSPECTIVE
As I draw closer to God in prayer and allow Him to purify my heart and open my eyes I see things differently. Through prayer the Holy Spirit shows me things my human-self can’t see. Hidden hurts that are masked with anger or intimidation, growth in others I don’t allow myself to see without His perspective, and many other things I never expected. I see God’s grace for me and want to extend that grace to others around me.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ~ Matthew 5:8
A change in POWER
When I devote myself to prayer and seeking God’s will I gain power that is greater than my own. The power of the Holy Spirit flowing through me allows me to love others who aren’t always likable and face fears and failures I am not strong enough to conquer on my own.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. ~ James 5:16b
A change in POSTURE
In order to see any changes through prayer I must first change my posture. Bowing down and looking up are vital to seeing changes in any area of my life. Recognizing (sometimes several times a day) that I must become less and God must become more within me if He is going to do anything through me.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14
I pray for each of you today, that you will allow God to make changes in you through prayer and drawing closer to Him each and every day.
blessings & peace to you!
Paula
Paula Davis 
True, true, and true. Love this post.
Thanks Diane!
Prayer changes things only for God’s people because “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:26-28). “Everything by prayer” does not mean everything in the universe, but rather “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3-4, 11). The “life” refers to eternal life. We pray only for the change that has connection to God’s plan of salvation.
When we put the things of the world our physical comforts ahead of God in our life we forfeit him as being Lord. We are at enmity with God. When we pray for something we must make sure that we are not asking for something that goes against God’s revealed will. If we are asking for prosperity to live in luxury to satisfy our insecurities we best hope God does not answer this prayer. Many have had it answered only to learn a hard lesson.
Prayer changes things only for God’s people because “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:26-28). “Everything by prayer” does not mean everything in the universe, but rather “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3-4, 11). The “life” refers to eternal life. We pray only for the change that has connection to God’s plan of salvation.