It's been said that prayer gives eyes to our faith, where we see beyond ourselves and focus on the power of God in our lives. Prayer also shows how much we trust Him. By surrendering our circumstances and asking for guidance, we demonstrate our trust that He will provide the help we need.
“Do you set aside enough time for prayer to actually get into God’s presence? Do you really give yourself up to true prayer in the time that you do take?” R.A. Torrey
Why don't we spend more time alone with our Creator? We miss out on so many blessings when we fail to go to Him first. When we pray daily, and take time to reveal our hearts to the Lord and to wait on Him, we're not so confused when a stressful situation comes our way. Prayer comes more naturally because we know the One to whom we pray.
“When entering the prayer chamber, we must come filled with faith and armed with courage. Nowhere else in the whole field of religious thought and activity is courage so necessary as in prayer. The successful prayer must be one without condition. We must believe that God is love and that, being love, He cannot harm us but must ever do us good. Then we must throw ourselves before Him and pray with boldness for whatever we know our good and His glory require, and the cost is no object! Whatever He in His love and wisdom would assess against us, we will accept with delight because it pleased Him. Prayers like that cannot go unanswered. The character and reputation of God guarantee their fulfillment.“ A.W. Tozer
When we ask the Lord for help or guidance, we must believe that He hears us and not waver or second guess what He will or won't do. Let's keep Him in mind, as much as we possibly can, always looking for His hand to hold us up and guide us forward.
“Prayer can lighten crosses for us however heavy. It can bring down to our side One who will help us to bear them. Prayer can open a door for us when our way seems hedged up. It can bring down One who will say, “This is the way, walk in it.“ Prayer can let in a ray of hope when all our earthly prospects seem darkened. It can bring down One who will say, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.“ Prayer can obtain relief for us when those we love most are taken away, and the world feels empty. It can bring down One who can fill the gap in our hearts with himself, and say to the waves within, “Peace; be still.“ Oh that men were not so like Hagar in the wilderness, blind to the well of living waters close beside them.“ J.C. Ryle