When someone who is hurting or struggling shares about a hard season they are going through, I hear them out. I offer hope and encouragement. But most importantly, I pray. At times with them, but often as God places them on my heart.
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I used to think that wasn’t enough, that there was more I was required to do to show I care.
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But the best thing I can do is lift someone I care about to the One who cares more than any person can for another.
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My part in prayer is to bring the offering. His part is to bring the power and reveal the purpose He has for me.
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Once I grasped that prayer was the door to seeing God move more powerfully in, through and about me, I have been more intentional with praying.
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Whenever, whatever, wherever.
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Because I now understand that prayer is what puts our love into action, and invites God to move into action on our behalf.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Unsure how to pray? Here are six tips to get you started.
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1. Make a list of people He has been putting on your heart. Ask Him to bless each of them, and meet them where they are at.
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2. Put your name into a prayer found in the Bible (Psalms 23 & 91 are two great ones to start with) and pray them back to Him.
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3. Write out what is on your heart in a journal (or on a blog of some format). Wait for His response.
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4. Just pray. Even when it doesn’t sound eloquent, or is full of tears, anger, doubt. When you don’t have the words, ask God to pray for you.
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5. If you speak in tongues, do so every day. Because God will use a willing heart to pray for situations we may not be aware of in the heavenlies, and invites us to help through prayer to create breakthrough for both ourselves and others.
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6. Remember that prayer is a skill to be learned just like anything else we are called to do. Seek out resources (mentors, books on prayer) and purposefully become better at praying as you practice it!
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For #prayer only happens when you are a pray-er!
KARLA LEES 