God Hears The Prayers of The Repentant
In this day and age social media , it appears to be our first go-to item. In other words, when we want something, we “go-to” our social media tools. What we know is that social media can help us create laughs, smiles, heartaches, and other things. These sites and “tools” allow each of us a back door into our “friends” personal lives and allow us to offer up our own. Social media can be used for positives and negatives. For example, so many times, I see “prayer requested” on social media outlets. That’s definitely a positive where one has a need and uses the powerful tool of dozens, hundreds and sometimes thousands of people to come together to pray for a need.
Over the years, I have caught myself posting the comment “praying” when others asked for prayer. While I had all intentions of praying, I found that life got busy and might forget. A few days later, seeing that same post, I would be reminded again to pray. It was never intentional to fail to pray for one in need, it was the “busy thing”. So, to solve this issue, I began taking time right then and there to pray for that person. That way, I was certain that need had been lifted to the Father in heaven.
The Power of Prayer
About a month ago, I noticed a Facebook friend of mine posting on her status, “How can I pray for you today?” I found myself adding things in her comment box. To ensure I knew she was interested in my comments, she commented back. This let me know she saw it. I appreciated that and was assured she would lift my need to God.
Then, as I read her reply to me, I read other prayer requests and found myself praying for each of these and began jotting down their needs. I grew up writing down all my prayer requests and going to camp year after year learned methods for having a strong prayer life but it was putting them in practice that I could see needed tweaking.
All of these thoughts about prayer and my prayer life helped me realize the need to get back to the basics. So, I began a simple regiment of writing prayer requests into my journal. This allowed me to effectively pray, keep my word and be more specific about prayers for my self, family and those on social media outlets.
As I thought more about this, I have been more decisive about writing down prayer requests. Having these prayer requests written has shown me so many benefits. Here are a few things learned in doing this:
- A Reminder- So often life gets busy and we forget. Having prayer requests written down allows us to stay on track and to really pray for that person.
- Seeing God’s Miracles- When we pray for a specific person or thing and later see the results, we are reminded of God’s answer to prayer.
- Making Connections- Continuing to pray for someone keeps their request fresh on our minds and allows us to follow up with them. This gives us a chance to connect and help build our relationship and friendships.
- Petitions In Heaven- When we petition God in heaven, He promises to hear our prayer. It was Jesus himself that showed us how to pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, power and the glory forever.
I’m hoping you might begin jotting down your own prayers and while you’re at it, put my name on your list! I sure could use it!
Katie Girl
