If you are a Christ follower, then you know that spending time with the Father through Bible reading and prayer is not a legalistic exercise, but you cherish this practice; it is life to you.

As carelessly as some followers approach reading His Word, there can often be little attention given to prayer unless in a crisis. A Christ-follower can engage with God through the power of His Holy Spirit in prayer. If you only go to God when something immediate is wrong in your life, then you are no better than the characters on a soap opera. I used to watch them, and characters prayed only in a crisis to a god they didn’t know. So, how do we keep from being or becoming people who only pray in crisis?

1. Expect results. Prayer is a discipline. I know that sounds like “eat your vegetables,” but you should practice to get out of “crisis mode only” with prayer. Now, that is not to say you can’t pray at other times. You can pray all day long, anytime. However, praying as a disciplined choice is necessary to get into the habit. 
2. Expect to hear from God. We all fear that God might speak to us in our prayer, and we aren’t sure we want to hear what He has to say. But once you pray intentionally, you become fearless. Your faith strengthens, and your love for Him increases. Then, any instruction, comfort, or guidance rests in your soul. Occasionally if something is hard to hear, you can pray even about that!
3. Expect better relationships. Prayer keeps you honest before God. It is logical that if you are honest before God, your relationships will get more honest. Every relationship problem is not solved, but you will have more peace.
4. Expect to use the Bible in your prayer time. Use the scripture you read earlier in devotions or bible reading, and pray it to God. Or find a passage particular to your situation, meditate on it, and ask for God’s intervention. Praying scripture is a submissive choice to agree with God that His Word is true and true for you.
5. Expect answers to your prayers. The more you pray, the more answers you will get. Why? Because the Holy Spirit reminds you of all kinds of things. Even if you have a prayer list, the Spirit is not bound to it. If you come open, you will pray way beyond the list. And you will see Him answer. And your expectancy will increase as well as your faith. 

None of this means that you’ll be spared suffering. God is not a genie. But a fervent prayer life will sustain you in suffering. True followers of Christ will suffer in this life. That is theologically based right out of God’s Holy Word, but your prayer life will give you strength and wisdom for each trial.

Do you need to get on your knees?

I choose to get on my knees because something supernatural happens there. It’s a humble posture. I feel close to God and His Spirit. Praise comes out of my mouth easily. I confess my sins. Isn’t this what you’d expect to do in prayer? It goes from being a stiff “have to” step in my quiet time to a desire to know Him and enjoy His presence.

I hope these tips will encourage you to enter into God’s presence with expectation and gladness. God honors those who honor Him and He is waiting to hear from you.

“True prayer is a way of life, not just for use in cases of emergency. Make it a habit, and when the need arises you will be in practice.”

Billy Graham

©Valerie Rumfelt

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