By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  June 07, 2020

There are numerous books and seminars designed to teach us how to communicate better in the workplace and at home. But how is our communication with the Lord?

We have many examples in the Bible of praying men and women. When Abraham’s servant Eliezer prayed, Rebekah appeared. When Moses prayed, powerful Amalek was defeated. When Hannah prayed for a child, Samuel was born. In the midst of battle, Joshua prayed, and the sun stood still. When Elijah prayed for the rain to stop, there was a three-year drought.

Each of these individuals sought God in prayer for a specific need—and through His answer, God was honored. The purpose of prayer is for God to be glorified. While prayer is a blessing to us, it also is an opportunity to see God’s goodness and power at work in the lives of others.

When children are small, they ask their parents for all kinds of things. Does that mean that a parent gives everything a child asks for? Of course not! Neither does our heavenly Father give us all that we ask of Him. However, He knows our every need, and He is committed to meeting those needs—but not always in our timing or in the way we think is best.

God is sovereign, and in His sovereignty, He responds to the prayers of His people. As a result, we are blessed when we trust His purpose and plan.

Jesus does not dictate when we should pray. Rather, for Him, prayer is a way of life—and it should be for us, too. We can learn to pattern our lives to match His by praying on a consistent basis. As we adore, praise, and petition our loving Lord and Savior, our lives will change.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for teaching me how to pray. Thank You for responding to the prayers of Your people. I also thank You for giving me what is ultimately good for me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).