Praying Effectively & Trusting God

“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it” - Psalm 37:5

Welcome back dear student.

You may wonder where to start with studying the Bible, learning how to pray effectively, and cultivating a relationship of trust with the Lord.

The Psalms are a great place to begin.

David wrote many of these songs pouring out His heart to God.

Sometimes you see him complaining in the midst of his pain or fears, and then as he focuses on God’s goodness and power he ends up being encouraged back into hope and peaceful trust.

I love David’s heart – you can see the Holy Spirit upon his Words in purity and Truth. He fostered his relationship with God through worship in the dark times.

Growing Through Difficult Seasons

All of us have dark days, fearful moments or seasons where our weakness is evident and overwhelming. These are the times we grow most as we seek God.

“What time I am afraid I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3).

It’s not if - but when.

Paul the Apostle asks, will you be able to stand when the evil day comes? He encourages us to do what we can, and then keep standing, clothing ourselves in God’s power and strength (Ephesians 6:10-18).

We need the baptism of the Holy Spirit to endure and overcome. Holy Spirit is the Person of God Who comes to live inside of a believer when one accepts Jesus as Lord. He is the inner radar by which we navigate life.

With His guidance, we are transformed to thinking and living God’s way: leaving destructive habits and patterns behind. It is challenging, but the Lord God lights the way - “Your Word is a light to my path, a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105).

Trusting God for Our Loved Ones

One area we can grow in learning to trust God, is praying for our children or loved ones.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat the fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).

Our words have the power to release death or life so we must choose carefully.

When we study God’s Word and declare it, we release His Power into that situation (Job 22:21-30).

Take what God promised and personalise it. For example… “all your children shall be taught of the Lord and great shall be their peace” (Isaiah 54:13).

A Prayer for Our Children

So, pray like this…

Father, You promised that all my children shall be taught of You; that You will lead and guide them in all their decisions, that You will enable them to tread upon their high places: taking them through difficult times, bringing them out into safety.

I agree with Your Word Lord: and thank You for my children’s lives. You created them and have good plans for each one of them. My Lord, I pray that they will hear Your voice and follow You, that You will disrupt the enemies voice and schemes.

Lord Jesus, thank You for saving my children, and for lighting up the path You have established for them. Thank You for delivering them from evil and perverse people, for not all have faith. Let them not be influenced by those who would lead them into harm’s way.

Give my children the courage to think for themselves and make godly choices by the Power of Your Holy Spirit. Father God, may they seek Your Truth and Wisdom, and get good understanding as they grow to know You. Thank You for surrounding them with Your favour as a shield.

I commit and dedicate my children to You Lord - for You love them! I decree that You are their Refuge and Strength, their Redeemer, Defender, Healer, and the Lifter of their heads, in Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

Reminder

March For Jesus Dublin takes place on Saturday 26th September next.