August 13, 2018

ASKING BOLDLY.


I always love reading about prayer and what it means to different people. It's interesting to learn how people talk to God and how it changes their lives. If you grew up in the church like me, I'm sure you remember hearing people tell you that prayer changes things--but how often do you believe that truth?

It's easy to believe it when God answers your prayers as you asked, but when that doesn't happen? That's when it's easier to call that phrase a cliche instead of a truth.  

As I get older, prayer becomes more and more of a necessary part of my life. I'll openly admit, I'm not always great about doing it routinely (grace before every meal is something I want to be more intentional about), but that doesn't mean it doesn't matter to me. 

Often times, my prayers happen when I'm in the shower, driving in my car, in my journal, and out on a run or walk. And it's in those quiet moments when I find myself with a call to be open and vulnerable, bringing everything to Him. 

Recently, I've found myself led to bringing Him my dreams and desires. And that's actually been one of the most challenging calls to answer yet. For me, just whispering my dreams aloud is scary because it makes them known and is one of the most vulnerable parts of my heart. 

But I think there's power in asking God for things that have yet to come to fruition. I think it's a sign of an intimate relationship with Him, for one. And asking God for things with boldness is a sign of trust and surrender as well. It shows that you trust Him with your dreams and secrets and hopes and that you trust that He'll see them through as He sees best--even if that is a no or not yet.

I also think that these bold prayers help us get closer to God as well. As an independent worker, I tend not to ask others for help. Call it pride, but doing it on my own also shows that I don't trust others to help me or do it for me. Boldly asking for things in prayer, however, shows that I trust God enough to ask for something from Him and to ask Him to do what seems--and is--humanly impossible as well. And I think God ultimately wants that kind of relationship with us. He wants His power to be seen in and through us. And He wants us to come to Him with everything, even if it's scary. 

So I'm praying boldly. Praying for hearts to be moved. Praying for steps forward. And praying for opportunities to grow and connect with others. It's a scary prayer for me, but I know that if I don't ask for it, I'm ultimately trying to hide it from God--which thus means I don't trust Him to hear it and put His power and love in it. 

So here's to saying those prayers aloud. Declaring them with trust in Him. And remembering that He's got it all under control. 

"God LOVES to hear our impossible prayers" - Bob Goff

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© IN ITS TIMEMaira Gall