She Prays

1. Prayer is a personal connection to God, not a religious duty

Prayer is coming to understand the beauty and fullness of God's invitation for you to draw near and talk with him personally about everything, like a daughter would—fully trusting her thoughts and emotions to a loving and caring earthly father, without reservation or fear of rejection.

Redefining prayer. Prayer is not about following religious rituals or reciting memorized words. It's an intimate conversation with God, where you can share your deepest thoughts, fears, and joys without fear of judgment. This personal connection allows for authentic communication and strengthens your relationship with God.

Overcoming obstacles. Many people feel intimidated or unworthy when it comes to prayer. Remember that God desires this connection with you and has made it possible through Jesus. Approach prayer with the confidence of a beloved child speaking to a caring parent. Start small, be honest, and allow your prayer life to grow naturally as you become more comfortable in God's presence.

2. Understand God as a loving Father to build confidence in prayer

You are God's daughter! You have a heavenly Father you can trust to be there for you whenever you call on him and who loves you more than you could ever imagine.

Shifting perspective. Viewing God as a loving Father rather than a distant deity transforms your approach to prayer. This understanding helps build trust and confidence in sharing your needs, desires, and struggles with Him. God's love for you is unconditional and ever-present, providing a solid foundation for your prayer life.

Practical application:

• Reflect on positive attributes of loving fathers
• Meditate on Bible verses that describe God's fatherly love
• Begin prayers with "Father" to reinforce this relationship
• Share your feelings openly, knowing God cares deeply for you

3. Jesus made direct access to God possible through his sacrifice

Jesus took our sin upon himself, taking our place on the cross so that when we believe in him we can receive the love of God. His sacrifice opened the door that had been dead bolted by our sin—he broke the lock!

Historical context. Before Jesus, access to God was limited and required complex rituals and intermediaries. Jesus' death and resurrection fundamentally changed this dynamic, allowing believers direct and unrestricted access to God.

Implications for prayer:

• Approach God confidently, knowing the barrier of sin is removed
• No need for special rituals or locations to pray
• Embrace the intimacy made possible by Jesus' sacrifice
• Thank Jesus for this access in your prayers

4. God's presence can be found in both light and darkness

I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD . . . the one who calls you by name.

Embracing all seasons. God's presence isn't limited to times of joy and ease. He is equally present in periods of struggle, doubt, and pain. These challenging times often reveal unique aspects of God's character and deepen our faith in ways that prosperity cannot.

Finding God in difficulty:

• Look for "hidden treasures" in challenging situations
• Use times of darkness to develop deeper trust in God
• Journal about God's faithfulness during trials
• Share your experiences to encourage others facing similar struggles

5. Persistent prayer demonstrates faith and expectation

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. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

The power of persistence. Continuing to pray even when answers seem delayed demonstrates deep faith and expectation. This persistence honors God and often leads to breakthrough. It's not about wearing God down, but about aligning our hearts with His will and timing.

Cultivating persistent prayer:

• Keep a prayer journal to track requests and answers
• Set reminders to pray for specific needs regularly
• Find prayer partners for accountability and encouragement
• Celebrate small signs of progress or answered prayers

6. Combine praise with prayer to unlock God's power

Prayers mixed with praise change everything.

Transformative praise. Incorporating praise into your prayers shifts focus from problems to God's character and power. This practice builds faith, alters perspective, and invites God's presence in powerful ways. Even in difficult circumstances, praise can be a catalyst for breakthroughs.

Practical ways to include praise:

• Start prayers with thanksgiving and adoration
• Use worship music to inspire praise
• Reflect on God's attributes and past faithfulness
• Practice gratitude daily, even for small blessings

7. God's power is available to believers through prayer

This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.

Accessing divine power. The same power that created the universe and raised Jesus from the dead is available to believers through prayer. This realization should inspire confidence and boldness in approaching God with our needs and desires.

Living empowered:

• Pray with the expectation of seeing God's power at work
• Study biblical examples of God's power in action
• Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment
• Step out in faith, trusting God's power to work through you

8. Forgiveness is essential for maintaining a strong prayer life

Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.

Breaking barriers. Unforgiveness creates a barrier between us and God, hindering our prayer life. Choosing to forgive, even when feelings don't align, is crucial for maintaining open communication with God and experiencing the full power of prayer.

Steps toward forgiveness:

• Acknowledge the hurt and its impact on you
• Choose to forgive as an act of obedience to God
• Pray for those who have hurt you
• Release the offense to God, trusting His justice
• Seek help from trusted friends or counselors if needed

9. Waiting periods are opportunities for spiritual growth

God isn't just preparing to bless you in the future; he wants to bless you right now, in the middle of your waiting!

Reframing waiting. Instead of viewing waiting as wasted time, see it as a purposeful season for growth, preparation, and deepening your relationship with God. God is often working behind the scenes during these periods, aligning circumstances for your good.

Maximizing waiting seasons:

• Develop spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study
• Practice patience and trust in God's timing
• Look for lessons and growth opportunities
• Serve others while waiting for your own breakthrough
• Cultivate gratitude for present blessings

10. Overcoming anxiety through purposeful prayer and thinking

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything" (verse 6).

A two-pronged approach. Combating anxiety requires both bringing our concerns to God in prayer and actively managing our thought life. This combination allows God's peace to guard our hearts and minds, even in challenging circumstances.

Practical steps:

1. Identify anxious thoughts
2. Bring each concern to God in prayer
3. Replace negative thoughts with truth from Scripture
4. Practice mindfulness and gratitude
5. Seek professional help if anxiety persists or worsens

Remember that overcoming anxiety is often a process, and consistency in applying these principles is key to experiencing lasting peace and strengthening your prayer life.

Last updated: July 19, 2024