Reading the Bible is one of those things you must determine to get serious with in 2024 – at least if you claim to be a Christian. When you do, you will run into several scriptures that talk about God being so supreme and sovereign that He knows things beforehand. I am particular on the verse that talks of God knowing our thoughts, and pre-empting our requests way before we pray them. (Matthew 6:8)
If that is the case, one would wonder what the point would be for keeping in touch with God – He already knows, doesn’t He? But then again you find God talking of how you should pray about everything – in fact, the exact words are, without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16). What a life that is, yeah?
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16
There must be something God meant when He insisted on us talking to Him in prayer, despite Him knowing everything. I asked Him this, because I really wanted to get it – and this was the impression on my heart.
God cares about the intention behind prayer. That you would take time to loop Him into your life – intentionally. He cares about you, so He wants you to care about Him just as much. The point in continually going to God with things is so that you are continually talking to Him. I actually think God wants to prove to us that we cannot out-talk Him. He has things to say to us. He is invested in us.
Knowing what you want and think is one thing, but there is more to Christianity than life as a quick credit card. As pleased as God is in rewarding they that diligently seek Him and love Him, He is more pleased by faith. A great expression of faith is prayer. That you see God significant enough to your life to trust Him for things. That you plan out your life to not only include but prioritize God because you are disciplined in prayer.
I feel like we should go back to the simplicity of the gospel. That faith in Christ makes you an heir with Him. That by faith you are saved. That you can trust Him that laid His life for you. If your walk of faith is devoid of prayer, then your walk is not of faith. I pray that part of your transformation in 2024 entails a disciplined prayer life. If Jesus prayed, what makes you so special? While you rely on the Holy Spirit to help and teach you how to pray, it will require discipline. You may need to cut off some things from your daily routine to make time for prayer. You may need to change locations and be in a different place so you can pray.
If nothing else gets you in shape with your prayer, and if nothing else draws you to a disciplined prayer life, consider these words in my heart from God: “If you don’t stop praying, I won’t stop answering. Let’s see who stops first!”
