Prayer

(This is taken from a devotional from Facebook.)

Prayer is relationship. When Jesus walked the earth, He repeatedly withdrew to pray - even though He was the Son of God. Before major decisions, before miracles, and before the cross, Jesus stepped away from the noise of the world and into communion with the Father.

If the One who had perfect authority still chose to pray, that should tell us something about how essential it is.

Prayer does three things that nothing else can do.

1) It aligns us with God. Prayer isn’t primarily about convincing God to adopt our will. It’s about surrendering our will so that we can step into His. In prayer, our fears shrink, pride softens, and our perspective transforms.

2) Prayer reminds us we aren't alone. The modern world teaches radical independence - handle it yourself, solve it yourself, and carry it yourself. Christianity teaches the opposite. Prayer is a daily reminder that the Creator of the universe invites you to speak with Him directly.

3) Prayer changes us. God certainly answers prayers - but the first transformation happens in the person praying. Our anxieties steady, bitterness becomes forgiveness, and we begin to see more clearly.

Prayer doesn't always remove the storm, but it connects you to the One who rules above the storm.