run the race – rtr

The true power of communication with the one and living God is found in prayer. God knows us, He knows just what we need, where we need, and when we need it. Prayer is the great opportunity to be in alignment with God’s will, to make your requests (as he shapes you) known to him. It is a great benefit to us, but this is not its only purpose. While my instances are not exhaustive I have come to see that prayer is also therapeutic, for in it is also the refuge for the Christian to speak to God. An interesting thing about this is that there is great benefit to us when we speak to God in humble prayer. Though God does know the beginning from the end, we get to partake in the greatness of this journey of this when we pray. We essentially align ourselves with the plan that He has, His perfect will, given that we are truly seeking him in the outcome of whatever we are praying on.

Lets dive into the word! Firstly we are implored that when we do pray that we can pray in the name of Jesus, our true intercessor, and great high priest (Hebrews 4:14) who made it possible for man to have relation with God. What this looks like is that when we make our requests known we acknowledge that the one who made this possible is Jesus, and that He also cares what we ask for in right manner. (John 14:14-15)

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)“

There just isn’t much that He will hold back from us, but what should be the focus of our prayers? Our needs, wants, and desires? Our pains, hang-ups, and uncertainties? Others and the issues of those around you? All of this and more! When we pray faithfully we let God in on what he has the proper right to. What we also do is practice release from control. Controlling behavior as well as going at things on our own is always false security, rest assured that God can be trusted with all outcomes, He is God after all and better at being Himself than we could ever try to be, put it into his hands in prayer. Prayer most times is request, stemming from the lack of something that is needed. Practicing faithful prayer is a discipline of continually humbling yourself to say “God, Jesus, I really do need your powerful hand on this area, that you know all together.”

Before ending this word of encouragement I want to share a few quick notes for prayer:

1. Acknowledge the need.
2. Humble yourself, seek Him on your knees.
3. Make your requests known confidently.
4. Trust that he will answer, in time.
5. Listen, wait.

Go to Jesus, he knows just how to meet you. Run the race!

Until pt.2 my friends, God bless you all!

Song recommendation

The Lord Will Provide – Landon Wolfe