The Power of Prayer

Pick it Up: 

As Christians, we know that we should pray… but it can be hard sometimes. We live in a culture of instant gratification and prayer takes time. There are times that prayers aren’t answered, which can cause them to feel pointless (I hate to break it to you, but they’re probably always answered, just maybe not in the way that you were hoping). Prayer can also be hard because we live with constant distractions, so it can be hard to stay focused. All of this is very true, but especially for college students.

To give a little bit of perspective… when we don’t get answers right away, it builds our faith and teaches us patience. If prayers aren’t answered the way we expected, we learn humility by recognizing that God has a greater plan. When it’s hard to pray because of distractions, we learn to focus. Prayer teaches us so many things. It draws us nearer to God’s heart and shapes us to become more like Jesus. Also, prayer ACTUALLY changes things. God really wants to talk to you and He actually wants to answer your requests. So how should you pray?

& Preach: 

• Prayer is just a conversation. Talk to God like He’s your best friend.
  • You wouldn’t avoid your best friend when life is going good or when it’s going bad, so don’t ignore the Lord.
• Try the PRAY acronym.
  • P: pause (sit in silence before the Lord)
  • R: rejoice (thank God for who He is and for all the gifts He’s given you)
  • A: ask (ask Him for help, needs, etc.)
  • Y: yield (yield to God’s plans for your life. Proclaim your trust in Him, surrender yourself to His will, etc.)
• Pray before reading Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
• Sit in silence before the Lord.
  • Prayer is a two way conversation but we often don’t give the Lord opportunity to speak
  • Slow down and listen for God’s gentle whisper
• Have prayer check points throughout the day
  • Try the app Lectio 365 (it gives you three guided prayers: morning, midday, and night)
  • Pray long and intimate prayers
  • Pray short breath prayers throughout your day
  • Pray for friends and family who are struggling (in person)
• Attend prayer services.
• Have faith that God will answer your prayers (even in unexpected ways).

If you want to hear personal prayer testimonies and more tips and advice, check out our podcast episode!

Podcast: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5u0tkm0bbjlbasey2kugwY

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-prayer/id1778314831?i=1000695334692