Prayer, Our Lifeline

WHAT A DISCOVERY! When I cleaned out the attic, I found an old, battered box, a treasure chest full of our family pictures, papers, and keepsakes that had sat unopened for years. Among the contents were family prayer books, listing specific prayers with answers scribbled in the margins. I wept at the heartfelt prayers for each baby. Four of those five babies now have babies of their own.

Over time, our prayers transitioned from handing God our wish lists to submitting to His plans and purposes, even when we didn’t understand them. We prayed that we would have God’s grace to live the Christian life, love the people around us, and accomplish the tasks in front of us, which at times were overwhelming—like mission field hardships and life-threatening complications during my pregnancy with our youngest son. In desperation, I cried out to the Lord, and He drew me close, resulting in a sweet relationship I wouldn’t trade for easier circumstances.

Prayer was my lifeline! Overseas, far from extended family and friends, my prayer life was transformed from a responsibility to a relationship. Like the psalmist, I called out to God: “Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy” (Psalm 61:1-3). The Lord became my rock, my refuge, and my strength as I leaned on Him in prayer.

As a young Christian, I thought prayer involved a list of rules, including a specific posture and spiritual-sounding words. In time, though, I realized prayer is simply spending time with God, talking to Him and listening for the whispers of His Spirit. We come to Him just the way we are: wounded, anxious, exhausted, frustrated, burdened, discouraged, or joyful. Prayer can be a mix of praise, gratitude, confession, submission, celebration, lament, requests, surrender, and more. We have the freedom to pray alone or in a crowd and to whisper, sing, or shout. Driving time is especially suited to praying out loud—with the windows closed, of course.

On the subject of driving, no one in our family will ever forget the day many years ago when two cars pulled into our driveway in Florida. An elderly man drove one car, and his wife drove the other. They explained to a curious audience of seven that the Lord had prompted them to give one of their cars to us. We were speechless! We had been praying as a family for another car, but the Lord was the only one we had told. We were all encouraged that our God hears and answers prayers.

When I wake up each morning, I try to remember to give myself to the Lord as a living sacrifice (see Romans 12:1-2). And even though I rarely bow down on my knees, I need to bow my heart and confess wrong attitudes and actions. I ask for pure motives and pray against the schemes of the enemy.

What about you? Are you making time to connect to the Lord in prayer? He invites us to come to Him with stooped shoulders and heavy hearts, to exchange burdens for peace and sin for forgiveness. Talking to the God who loves us unconditionally provides the lifeline we are so desperate for! And it’s okay to ask for a car, a husband, or a new job or to pray for a sick friend, our country and its leaders, and other concerns you have.

Do you have people in your life who will pray with and for you? Members of church small groups and Bible studies are known for caring and praying for each other. My girlfriends and I are too busy or live too far apart to regularly connect in person, but because we need prayer, we share concerns via texts or email. Praying friends are the best, as they stand (or sit or kneel) ready to wage war against the enemy and fight for marriages, children, health, and a myriad of challenges. I would give up most things before I parted with my praying sisters in Christ. If you don’t have people to pray with, initiate a group and ask for prayer needs. Even if women are hesitant about becoming involved in yet another activity, very few of us turn down prayers.

The privilege of connecting with our heavenly Father is our lifeline and one of our most important opportunities for influence, creating life-impacting ripple effects on the people and situations we pray for.

REFLECTION

As you spend time in prayer today, remember that you are building a relationship with the Lord. Come to Him with whatever is on your heart, and pray for His transforming work in your life. Keep a notebook handy to list your specific requests as well as those from family and friends, and don’t forget to record the answers.