God designed you to be completely in rhythm with Him. He designed you to have this close relationship with him, where your hearts are aligned. Where you’re on the same page. Just like a symphony that beautifully plays the same notes together, that’s how God wants us to feel in our lives.
So how do we get that? How do we get to a place where we feel that close to God?
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. (workmanship) He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [Ephesians 2:10]
What if you lived with that mindset every single day? That you are God’s masterpiece. What if you had that kind of confidence in your work, in your relationships. That you really believed that God sees you as a masterful creation? Wouldn’t that change everything about your life?
If you want to feel close to God, you have to spend time with him. If you want to feel aligned with God, you have to talk to him. And this is what we call prayer.
Prayer is our lifeline to God.
Prayer is the way that we can stay connected to God in such a busy world. Prayer is what helps us to stay in sync in with God. In rhythm with God. Prayer helps remind us of the promises of God. Prayer reminds us that we aren’t alone, because God is in it with us. He is the conductor. He’s the coach. He’s our guide. Prayer is at the heart of our connection to God.
7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. [Matthew 7:7-8]
Pray often and pray early.
Don’t wait because you aren’t sure if it’s going to work. Or because you’re trying to get everything figured out on your own. Go to God, quickly, early on in the situation. Invite him in, right when you start to worry.
9 “Parents – if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. [Matthew 7:9-11]
Prayer brings comfort, even if the pain is still there.
It reminds us that God is in control. That we don’t have to do it on our own. It helps us to refocus our minds. To put us back in sync with God’s plan. Because even if it is painful or confusing or discouraging or uncertain, God’s with you through it all.
Three different kinds of prayers
1. 10-second prayer: Quick prayers throughout your day
God, help me have patience today. God, give me a heart of grace. God, help me have peace as I take this test.
2. Do Not Disturb Prayer: Carved out time with God and God alone
It’s putting your life on Do Not Disturb; Shutting off everything else around you
6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. [Matt. 6:6]
3. Deep Prayer: The still prayer of complete solitude
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God” [Psalm 46:10]
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Application Questions
1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?