How transforming is prayer? Can it really change things?
It took me years to really understand the importance of "talking" to God. Allowing Him to come into EVERY area of my life. A lot of times I put Him in a box. Allowing the Lord access to certain areas; my sick friends and family members, when I needed a job or a place to live. Always during the difficult or needy times. I knew those things were okay to pray about. The "normal" requests. But as my walk with the Lord grew deeper, I began to open up every area. Even those deep, dark, dreary areas that remained hidden. Tucked so far back that I often forgot the problems were still there, lingering around.
But in learning to let go...I learned that God wants every part of me. Not just the "normal" everyday things. He wants my trust, He wants to know that I truly believe that HE CAN make ALL things new. The first step became releasing my doubt. Once I prayed, I made a conscious choice to believe. I chose to let go of any doubt and know that when He answers my prayers, it will be the way that is best for me, not necessarily exactly as I want it.
That is where faith and trust come in. Removing the doubt first then relying, believing, expectantly waiting for HIS WILL regarding my prayers. Allowing Him access to every area, every weakness, every self doubt, hurt, pain or shame. LETTING HIM IN, knowing that HE CAN AND WILL heal and transform me. TRUST IN THE LORD!
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalms 51:6-15
This is something I have been working on as of late...praying & trusting that God will hear & answers my prayers. Great post, this helps out a lot :-)
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