Hello Friend,
Last week in my dream, two ideas immediately came to mind—time and speaking with the Lord. I pray that you are spending your time wisely, that at all times and in all circumstances, you are praising the Lord. But effective communication with God is more than praise, it’s praying (speaking from the heart) and listening. Has God spoken to you recently? Why do you think that is? Really think about that. Scripture tells us “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8). That is our promise for effective prayer.
Come near to God. Hebrews 4:16 says that “we are to come boldly before the throne of God that we may receive mercy and help.” Come boldly! Don’t think God’s not going to hear me. Put faith in your prayers. Fervent prayer is sincere prayer. Pay attention to what you are saying. Don’t use words and phrases that you think you need to say. The book of James gives us many guidelines for prayer. Among them are:
1. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.
2. Purify your hearts, confess your sins. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
3. Ask for God’s will.
4. Be patient.
After you pray, listen. Expect an answer. You won’t always hear God’s voice, although you may. God speaks through the pages of scripture. Try this experiment. I call it “pick a page.” I used to tell my classes to just open their Bible to any page. Read just a few scriptures that your eye comes to rest upon. Stop and meditate. The scriptures were not meant just for those people at that time. Ask yourself, “What does this passage mean to me.” You just might be amazed to hear a message from God. Your answer to your prayer might come from a trusted friend. Revelation is not head knowledge. Listen with your heart. Become a spiritual person of God. Be expectant. God is alive and active. Expect to hear from him!!
Affirmation: I feel patient as I wait expectantly for God’s guidance and direction.
Your partner in prayer,
Linda