Some Thoughts on Prayer

I was praying about some difficulties the other day. And these were some thoughts I wrote down afterwards.

1. We don't need to be afraid to be honest with God. 
We're not praying to impress Him--we're praying because we need His help. We can tell Him everything--the good, the bad and the ugly. He knows it all anyway, so why try to hide it?

2. God knows our trials are difficult.
I like to compare my trials to much bigger ones--that way mine seem smaller. But all trials--big or small--are difficult and we need God's help to face them. Our trials are difficult and God does not expect us to just grin and bear them. We need to cast our burdens upon the LORD and He will sustain us. (Psalm 55:22) No matter how much we have to be thankful for--and no matter how thankful we are--we don't need to feel guilty for pouring out our woes to God. That is the way to find help.

3. Thank God, too!
Be honest and real. Tell God all your troubles. But remember to thank Him for all your many blessings. Don't lose sight of all He's done for you so far.
Philippians 4:6 tells us to pray about everything with thanksgiving. When we thank God for what He has already done, it helps us to have faith that He will help us with our present trials.

4. Have faith.
Sometimes we see no light at the end of the tunnel--and praying doesn't necessarily bring instant results. That's where faith comes in. I love how some of the psalms start off so dismal and depressing. The writer pours out all their troubles to the LORD. But they end on a positive note. They have faith that God has heard and will help. Let's remember we pray to a living God who hears and answers prayer. He might not answer the way we want or expect, but He will answer in the way that is best.