Deep Impact - Prayer Makes a Difference!

To most people in today's "I can make it on my own" society, prayer is often not the first thing we think of when facing a challenge. Especially singles, in the "fast lane" determined to make it on their own.

We consult our friends, co-workers, family and sometimes even horoscopes and fortune cookies looking for answers and direction often leaving God, the maker of heaven and earth out. We don't think to ask Him for direction, for wisdom, or even help until many times it's too late.

Singles and single-parents alike are often so busy just trying to keep up with life they often forget to look up. With that in mind, I want to spend a couple weeks encouraging you on the Deep Impact that pray can and will have on your life...prayer does make a difference!

James 5:16 says, "...the earnest heartfelt prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." The Bible is filled with verses on the importance of prayer, how to pray, and so on. Surveys show that 83% of people say that prayer is a good thing and even claim to pray from time to time.

But if you're like most other singles, you've probably wondered if prayer really works. Maybe you've thought God isn't really listening to your prayers. And perhaps you even feel guilty because you haven't spent an hour a day or even 5 minutes in prayer so why even bother now. Don't be discouraged - PRAYER WORKS!

Let's look at the example of Jesus. In Matthew 6, He said, over and over "when you pray" not "if".  God wants to hear from you and He cares about your life, your family, and your future. Jesus made deposits om the morning so that He could make withdrawals the rest of the day (Mark 1:35). Here is the REAL truth; without time spent in prayer, you will work harder and accomplish less because you are operating in your own strength.

I can hear you saying, "but I get sooooo busy, I just don't have time for prayer." Think on this: how you spend your time, reveals what's important to you. Jesus said, "where your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (Matthew 6:21)

Which brings us to the question - Do you really place a high value (treasure) your relationship with God? To place value means setting aside time everyday to meet with and talk to God.
Like any other relationship you value it must include an investment of time, you must make prayer a habit. Prayer can be anywhere, but it must be somewhere. Prayer can be anytime, but it must be sometime.

What could you do this week to place a higher value on regular prayer time? If you desire to know more about God's plan for your life, if you want to know the direction you should be going? Learn to spend regular time in prayer talking to God. He will listen and He will answer you.

Next up we'll cover "The Promise of Prayer" - see you next time!