"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
-Phil 4.6
The strongest action you can take in any situation is to go to your knees and ask God for help. Whatever is worth worrying about is certainly worth praying about. Prayer unlocks God's treasure chest of great ideas.
One of my favorite prayers is only one word: Help!
"Help, help, help!"
When we pray, we must simultaneously be willing to take the action that God directs in answer to our prayer.
Four kinds of prayer are:
Petition: "Father, I need."
Intercession: "God, help."
Praise and thanksgiving: "Thanks, Lord!"
Conversation: "Good morning, Father."
In Philippians 4:6-7 the apostle Paul counsels us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." And in Colossians 4:2 he says, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Here are twelve benefits of prayer:
Prayer defeats the devil (Matt. 18:18).
Prayer saves the unbeliever (Acts 2:21).
Prayer edifies the believer (Jude v. 20).
Prayer sends laborers into the harvest (Matt. 9:38).
Prayer heals the sick (James 5:13-15).
Prayer overcomes the impossible (Matt. 21:22).
Prayer changes the natural (James 5:17-18).
Prayer brings the right things to pass (Matt. 7:7-11).
Prayer imparts wisdom (James 1:5).
Prayer brings peace (Phil. 4:5-7).
Prayer guards against temptation (Matt. 26:41).
Prayer reveals God's answers (Luke 11:9-10).
© John Mason, from the book, An Enemy Called Average
