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Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I was talking to one of my grandsons and he was having a difficult time with some friends at school. As we talked out his feelings, I asked if he had prayed about it. The conversation went something like this:
Grandson: “Papa (that’s me) does God really want to hear about this kind of stuff?”
Papa: “Yes, He does, even though He already knows what we think and feel (I quoted Psalm 139:3-4, yet He wants us to go through the experience of talking to Him about everything. Because He loves us and wants not only to help us, but bring calm to difficult feelings we have.”
Grandson: “So I can just talk to Him like I am taking to you?”
Papa: “Yep, it’s that simple.”
So, we took time to pray and went through what he felt and asked God for help. We stopped a few times as he asked questions. After we prayed, I asked him how he felt. He said he felt better and even had a few ideas of how to respond to the situations at school. Prayer really does help. The Bible does encourage us to pray.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing,
Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Matthew 6:9-13 Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
Even scientists have discovered how prayer helps. In an online article from Mind & Spirit: Integrating Psychology and Faith entitled “Physiological Power of Prayer,” four key benefits of prayer are brought out. These benefits are ways prayer can help us both psychologically and physiologically when used in times of stress: prayer increases self-control, prayer regulates emotions, prayer reduces anxiety and depression, and prayer promotes a calm mind. In another online article from the HuffPost entitled “The Positive Physiological Effects of Prayer,” more benefits of prayer were brought out. The article mentions prayer brings hope, helps with concentration, encourages forgiveness, fosters security and comfort, provides an outlet for positive expression of emotions, and helps us to connect with others. Yes, prayer empowers!
I know prayer can feel a bit awkward, but it’s much like talking to a good friend or kind father or grandfather! Yes, prayer helps, so why not take some time, and make some time to pray and talk with God. He does love the sound of your thoughts and voice.
Church is an amazing place to learn and grow in practicing prayer. If you do not already have a church to attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church and would love for you to connect with us! Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our Sunday gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Taking to engage the helpful reality of prayer along with you,
Mike McKay, Lead Pastor, Neighborhood Church
