Purposeful Prayer

    Have you ever read the book The Help?  It was a big title a few years ago, made into a movie and all that.  There was a little sideline that was discussed in the book that really hit home with me (this was barely mentioned in the movie - it got about one line if I heard correctly).  Anyhow, one of the main characters wrote out her prayers.  She not only wrote out her prayers but was a true 'prayer warrior'.   Other characters would ask her to put them on her prayer list, and there was an obvious response from God once someone was added to her prayer list.  These little snippets and side stories sprinkled throughout the book inspired me.  I want to write out my prayers and prayer lists.  I started small.  I am a person who never remembers to do something until the wrong time, therefore it took awhile to get going.

    Three or so weeks ago I began improving my purposeful prayer.  I listed three specific things, a few families that needed extra prayer and a situation in our own home.  During my prayers and random conversation with God I specifically brought up these items at least twice a day.  These families were in many prayers, not just mine.  But a rather striking thing happened.  All at once I realized how clearly God had answered my prayers, it was like a prayer answering rainfall.  One family got the house they so desperately needed, another dear friend's father had a giant tumor removed - it was not cancerous after all, and our finances began to lighten up at home.  All of these (especially the giant non-cancerous tumor), are amazing works of God, true blessings for those involved!  Then I began to look around at other things that I felt had entered into my prayers 'willy nilly' - but on a regular basis, and I could see answers in my life.

     These realizations spurred me on.  I now keep a very specific prayer list of praises, forgiveness neededs, and requests.  Like in the movie 'War Room', prayer that is focused can have an amazing effect on your life.  Of course you must always be prepared for whatever answer you receive, and spend time listening to what God has to say - but God is listening, and God does care.  Talk to Him, praise Him, thank Him, repent to Him, LISTEN to Him, and ask Him!  He hears!

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

check this out - verse pasted from: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-awesome-bible-verses-about-the-power-of-prayer/#ixzz46tughdt8