“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation…” – Matthew 26:11 (NIV)
When you think of prayer, you may get nervous. You think of how you want to have the right words, the perfect tone, and the right timing, but all God wants is to spend time with us, to know us intimately. He requires us to be honest and reverent, have a humble heart, and desire to have a relationship with Him. Like a child who hangs on to the hem of their mother’s skirt, dependent on her for everything, God desires the same from us.
In Matthew 18:2-3, Jesus taught that unless we become as little children, we will never enter the kingdom of God. We need to come humbly and sincerely before the Lord and tell Him everything, similar to a child who speaks freely.
How then do we pray? There is no secret formula to prayer. However, God delights in us coming to Him in honesty. He loves when we come to Him and lay our burdens on Him. He desires us to seek Him in every aspect of our lives, especially in our prayer life. He tells us to come to Him like a child. Children come with their requests incessantly, sometimes politely, sometimes through tears. They need their parents’ assistance and guidance. That’s how God desires us to need Him. We can come with all our concerns, fears, and troubles to Him. More importantly, we can trust Him when we pray. He will say, “Yes”, “No,” or “Not right now”, according to His perfect wisdom.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, when you pray, seek Him earnestly, knowing that He is concerned about every aspect of your life. He loves us with everlasting love. The Scripture says in Psalm 36:7 (NIV), How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.” So today, be encouraged to seek Him in every season of your life. Let your posture be, ‘I’m waiting to hear from the Author and Finisher of my faith.’ Know whatever God’s response is, it’s according to His perfect will for your life.
Prayer
Lord, today we come before You asking for Your forgiveness for the times we leaned on our understanding. We ask that You plant in our hearts a desire to pray, to bring all our cares and concerns before You, and wait as You guide us. Thank You for the future and the good plans You have for us according to Jeremiah 29:11. We will trust and seek Your ways in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 11; Matthew 13:36-58; Genesis 38; Genesis 39
