THINGS YOU NEED TO DO NOW - TO MAKE IT (PART# 2)

2.) Prayer to God -

"And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." - Luke 11:1.

It is amazing how many ministers, teachers, and pastors that have defined prayer as simply "talking to God" - it is so much more than that! That is - if you want your prayer life to be effective. Think about it - both the disciples of Jesus and John the Baptist had to be "taught" how to pray. Why? Because when they compared their own prayer life to that of Jesus and John - they saw examples of a real, powerful, effective prayer life and realized theirs came up short! It should make us all "cringe" and tremble at the thought that no one is asking his/her leader to teach him/her how to pray today because the examples of the prayer lives of today's church leaders are nothing to be desired!

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." - James 5:16.

In order to have an effective prayer life, it must be "fervent"! The word "fervent" means "pain-staking hard labor". Ask yourself.....when has my prayer life ever been "painful" or "hard work"? Many believers will claim to have a strong prayer life these days, also claiming they are "intercessors" or "prayer warriors", when all they are really doing is simply "talking to God". So, how does one do more that just "talk to God"?

"....for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6.

First, if we want to begin effective communion and fellowship with God, we must approach God the right way. We must first "believe that He is" - He is what? He is God! Yes, He is your Father - but He is also God - the almighty, the all-powerful, the maker of heaven and earth! He is not your "buddy", your "pal", your "chum", or an "ole Joe"! We must approach Him with fear, reverence, respect and awe - knowing He has the very next beat of your heart - the very next breath of your lungs - in His hand. There is a wise old saying that if someone wants to be successful at a particular venture, that person should find someone else who was successful and do it the same way. A great example we can use for prayer is King David....for David knew how to pray!

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4.

Before you begin giving God your list of requests, demands, and petitions....LOVE on Him. Spend the first part of your prayer time in thanksgiving, praise, and worship to Him. Don't get in a hurry....remember, this is not just your time, but it is His time - if you want Him to stop commanding angels, creating worlds, governing the universe, and take time to listen to you - get His attention! Nothing gets a Father's attention like His children opening up their hearts and mouths and, in reckless abandon, loving on Him. According to Jesus' example of prayer in Luke 11 - we should start and end every prayer to God this way!

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." - 2 Corinthians 9:6.

It has been said that "quality is more important than quantity". This is a true statement; however, one must not ignore the fact that "the more seed that is sown, the larger the harvest". There was once a church billboard that stated, "Don't expect a million dollars from a ten-cent prayer". How much of God do you want when you are in trouble? How much of God do you need when you feel overwhelmed? How much of yourself do you want God to take to heaven when He returns? If you want all He has to offer, then He expects no less in return.

Furthermore, be specific! If a farmer just throws any type of seed into the ground without first confirming what type of seed it is, should that farmer expect one certain crop to grow? Remember, "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7) If your prayers are vague and ambiguous to God, you can expect God's answers to you to be vague and ambiguous as well.