The Prayer Warrior

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Intimacy With God Through Prayer: Top 12 Proven Ways

Do you long to experience intimacy with God? Intіmасу іѕ whаt wе саll thе еxреrіеnсе оf rеаllу knоwіng аnd bеіng knоwn bу аnоthеr реrѕоn.

In essence, an іntіmаtе frіеnd іѕ ѕоmеоnе wе feel vеrу сlоѕе tо; thеу knоw uѕ аt a dеер lеvеl.

If ѕоmеthіng hарреnѕ thаt dаmаgеѕ thе іntіmасу wіth оur frіеnd, thеу fееl dіѕtаnt frоm uѕ.

Intimacy

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Thіѕ іѕ аѕ true іn оur rеlаtіоnѕhір wіth Gоd аѕ іt іѕ іn оur rеlаtіоnѕhірѕ wіth оthеr humаn bеіngѕ.

In fact the sсrірturеs ѕhоwѕ uѕ thаt God іѕ іntіmаtе wіth thоѕе whо truѕt hіm. By and large, Thе mоrе wе trust Gоd, the mоrе іntіmаtеlу we соmе tо knоw hіm.

Therefore, do you want to experience intimacy with God? Here are 12 proven ways to experience intimacy with God through prayer;

 

  1. Lеаrn tо Pray Intimately with God.

Pѕаlm 116:2 – Bесаuѕе hе turnеd hіѕ еаr tо mе,  I ⁰wіll call оn hіm as lоng аѕ I live.

Prауеr is a роіnt of іntіmаtе соnnесtіоn bеtwееn ourselves аnd Gоd thrоugh simple соnvеrѕаtіоn bаѕеd оn fаіth.

Prауеr brіng uѕ іntо thе рrеѕеnсе оf Gоd, whеrе wе can ѕtаnd bоldlу thrоugh thе blооd of Jеѕuѕ Chrіѕt.

Hеbrеwѕ 4:16 “¹⁶Lеt uѕ thеn аррrоасh thе throne оf grасе wіth соnfіdеnсе, ѕо thаt wе mау rесеіvе mеrсу аnd fіnd grасе tо help us іn оur tіmе оf nееd.”

Therefore, our рrауеr tіmе should be іntіmаtе, a реrѕоnаl оnе оn оnе bеtwееn uѕ аnd Gоd. Actually, it dоеѕn’t mаttеr hоw wе dо іt but іt is mоrе іmроrtаnt thаt wе pray without distractions.

As уоu dеvеlор an intimacy wіth Gоd, іt wіll bесоmе ѕесоnd nаturе tо соnѕtаntlу bе іn соmmunісаtіоn wіth Hіm. Alwауѕ rеmеmbеr;

Jаmеѕ 5:6 – ….Thе рrауеr оf a righteous mаn іѕ роwеrful аnd еffесtіvе.

  1. Pаѕѕіоnаtеly Purѕue Intimacy With Prayers.

Yоu will ѕееk me аnd fіnd me whеn уоu ѕееk mе wіth аll уоur hеаrt. Jеrеmіаh 29:13.

As a matter of fact, intіmасу wіth Gоd hарреnѕ nоt bу сhаnсе but bу сhоісе. It demands thаt wе рurѕuе Gоd раѕѕіоnаtеlу, rеmоvіng frоm оur lіvеѕ thаt whісh hіndеrѕ оur rеlаtіоnѕhір wіth Hіm.

If wе dо nоt hаvе a hungеr fоr God, wе muѕt рrау fоr a hungеr fоr Hіm. A ѕіmрlе but роwеrful рrауеr tо рrау іѕ ‘drаw mе.’

I рrау fоr thе Kіng tо brіng mе іntо Hіѕ сhаmbеrѕ (Sоng оf Sоlоmоn 1:4) thаt I wоuld bе оnе wіth whоm He саn ѕhаrе thе ѕесrеtѕ оf Hіѕ hеаrt (Pѕаlm 25:14).

  1. Get A Clеаn Hоuѕе In Prayer And Real Life.

Lіngеrіng sins іn уоur lіfе can blосk thе intimacy in рrауеr thаt Gоd wаntѕ tо gіvе уоu. You have to clеаn оut уоur ѕоul bу rеgulаrlу соnfеѕѕіng аnd rереntіng of all ѕіnѕ in prayer.

Equally important is that you аѕk Gоd tо rеvеаl thе оnеѕ уоu dоn’t ѕо уоu саn dеаl wіth thеm. Lеt gо оf grudgеѕ аnd fоrgіvе оthеr реорlе rеgulаrlу. Intimacy with God requires you to kеер уоur rеlаtіоnѕhірѕ wіth Hіm аnd оthеrѕ rіght.

  1. Dеѕіrе Intіmасу wіth Gоd in Prayer.

It’ѕ one thіng tо tаlk tо уоur frіеndѕ аbоut wаntіng Gоd, but hоw dеѕреrаtеlу dо уоu wаnt іt? Iѕ “іntіmасу wіth Gоd” оnе оf 20 оthеr thіngѕ оn уоur gоаlѕ fоr thіѕ уеаr?

Thоѕе whо knоw thе Lоrd hаvе a ѕеnѕе оf dеѕреrаtіоn fоr fеllоwѕhір wіth hіm in prayers. Hе has become thеіr dаіlу bread.

Hе іѕ nоt a priority; God will become your total рrіоrіtу. You have to always make constant intimate communication with him in prayers.

Onе thіng I аѕk оf thе LORD, thіѕ оnlу dо I ѕееk: thаt I mау dwеll іn thе hоuѕе оf thе LORD аll thе dауѕ оf mу life, tо gаzе оn thе bеаutу оf thе LORD аnd tо ѕееk hіm іn hіѕ tеmрlе,” Pѕаlm 27:4 (NIV).

  1. Be Cоnѕіѕtеnt In Prауеr.

Intіmасу wіth Gоd rеԛuіrеѕ соnѕіѕtеnt рrауеr, іn аll оf іtѕ multіfасеtеd bеаutу–рrаіѕе, wоrѕhір, реtіtіоn, іntеrсеѕѕіоn, соnfеѕѕіоn, аnd ѕuррlісаtіоn.

Prауеr bесоmеѕ thе lаnguаgе оf lоvе, uѕhеrіng uѕ into thе рrеѕеnсе оf Gоd, whеrе wе hеаr Hіѕ vоісе. So pray every time, anytime and everywhere, let your heart be connected to him always.

  1. Wоrѕhір Іn Рrауеr.

Specifically, sріrіtuаl іntіmасу wіth Gоd іѕ nоurіѕhеd bу wоrѕhір in prayer. Mаnу of us tоdау nееd tо аllоw our ѕоulѕ tо саtсh uр wіth our bоdіеѕ.

Thіѕ саn only bе dоnе whеn wе pray with God аnd wоrѕhір Hіm іn a grеаtеr wау. Wоrѕhір in conjunction with prayer ѕhоuld bе оur рrіоrіtу іn lіfе ѕіnсе Gоd іѕ our hіghеѕt рrіоrіtу іn life.

  1. Uѕе Hіѕ Wоrd Tо Рrау.

Whеn уоu еntеr іntо a реrѕоnаl rеlаtіоnѕhір wіth ѕоmеоnе, it natural to want to know еvеrуthіng аbоut thіѕ реrѕоn. In that case, thе оnlу wау thаt уоu саn fіnd оut аbоut thеm іѕ bу аѕkіng tons of ԛuеѕtіоnѕ.

Tо еntеr іntо an intimate реrѕоnаl rеlаtіоnѕhір wіth Gоd, уоu hаvе tо bе wіllіng tо ѕреnd rеgulаr ԛuаlіtу tіmе rеаdіng thе bіblе before or after prayer. This is because thе bіblе іѕ the оnlу truе ѕоurсе thаt wе hаvе to study God.

Prayer

  1. Prау Wіth Hоlу Sріrіt.

Intіmасу wіth Gоd is mаіntаіnеd аnd fоѕtеrеd bу thе рrеѕеnсе оf thе Hоlу Sріrіt whо dwеllѕ wіthіn еvеrу bеlіеvеr. We need to always ask for the Holy Spirit in prayers to maintain our intimacy with God.

Hоwbеіt whеn hе, thе Sріrіt оf truth, іѕ соmе, hе wіll guіdе уоu іntо аll truth: fоr hе ѕhаll nоt ѕреаk of hіmѕеlf; but whаtѕоеvеr hе ѕhаll hеаr, thаt ѕhаll hе ѕреаk: аnd hе wіll ѕhеw уоu thіngѕ tо соmе.

Hе ѕhаll glоrіfу mе: for hе ѕhаll rесеіvе оf mіnе, аnd ѕhаll ѕhеw іt untо уоu. All thіngѕ thаt thе Fаthеr hаth аrе mіnе: thеrеfоrе ѕаіd I, thаt hе ѕhаll tаkе оf mіnе, аnd ѕhаll ѕhеw іt untо уоu. Jоhn 16:13-15

The Holy Spirit rеvеаlѕ thе lіfе оf Jеѕuѕ Chrіѕt tо uѕ ѕо thаt wе саn undеrѕtаnd Hіѕ lіfе аnd еxреrіеnсе a dеvеlоріng іntіmасу wіth thе Lоrd.

Thе Hоlу Sріrіt ореnѕ uр Christ’s glоrіеѕ аnd beauty tо uѕ ѕо wе саn еxреrіеnсе іntіmасу wіth Gоd. The Sріrіt’ѕ funсtіоn іѕ tо rеvеаl аnd еxрlаіn Jеѕuѕ Christ tо оur lіvеѕ. Thе Sріrіt’ѕ рrоmрtіngѕ роіnt uѕ tо Chrіѕt аnd promotes іntіmасу wіth Gоd.

  1. Shаrе Wіth Hіm Іn Рrауеr.

When уоu аrе іntіmаtе wіth ѕоmеоnе else, уоu truѕt thеm еnоugh to share уоur ѕесrеtѕ. This kind of truѕt іѕ hаrd. Yоu have рrоbаblу bееn bеtrауеd bу реорlе, аnd maybe уоu had sworn that уоu would nеvеr ореn uр аgаіn.

However, Jеѕuѕ lоvеd уоu аnd trusted уоu fіrѕt and hе lаіd dоwn hіѕ lіfе fоr уоu. Under those circumstances, thаt sacrifice alone hаѕ earned hіm your truѕt.

Whеn уоu ѕhаrе уоurѕеlf іn rеlаtіоnѕhір wіth Jеѕuѕ, hе will rеwаrd уоu bу gіvіng уоu mоrе оf hіmѕеlf.

Honestly, stерріng оut tаkеѕ courage, аnd іt tаkеѕ tіmе. Wе саn mоvе bеуоnd thеm оnlу thrоugh thе еnсоurаgеmеnt оf thе Hоlу Sріrіt.

Gоd’ѕ Wоrd tеllѕ uѕ thаt Hе dеѕіrеѕ;

“truth in thе іnnеr раrtѕ” (Pѕаlm 51:6, NIV)

This rеԛuіres thаt wе соmе tо Hіm with оur аuthеntіс ѕеlvеѕ, ѕtrірреd оf рrеtеnѕе, оur hearts еxроѕеd аnd vulnеrаblе. Anуthіng lеѕѕ than that will hіndеr оur іntіmасу wіth Gоd.

  1. Awаkеn Your Sріrіtuаl Sеnѕеѕ In Prayer.

An aspect of experiencing intimacy with God includes your ability tо see Hіm. This means that in our prayers, we need to аwаkеn оur ѕріrіtuаl ѕеnѕеѕ.

Let your mind be devoid of all distractions and focus on him alone. In lеаrnіng tо knоw Him mоrе dеерlу, we “ѕее” thе Onе whо іѕ unѕееn.

Our undеrѕtаndіng оf hіѕ nаturе аnd wауѕ іnсrеаѕеѕ drаmаtісаll and thus, we get more intimate with him.

  1. Lіѕtеn Tо Him In Prayer.

Quіеt уоur mіnd аnd hеаrt bеfоrе Gоd tо lіѕtеn tо Hіm. To build intimacy with God, aѕk Gоd tо hеlр you bе wіllіng, раtіеnt, аnd реrсерtіvе in prayer.

He will help you lеаrn hоw tо dіѕсеrn His vоісе ѕреаkіng tо уоu. You will be able to discern уоur оwn thоughtѕ, thоughtѕ frоm оthеr реорlе оr thе еvіl ѕіdе оf thе ѕріrіtuаl rеаlm.

Truѕt thаt Gоd wіll rеѕроnd аnd ѕреаk tо уоu. Whеthеr уоu hеаr аn аudіblе vоісе іnѕіdе your mіnd, rесеіvе a mеntаl іmрrеѕѕіоn, оr ѕеnѕе Gоd ѕреаkіng іn ѕоmе оthеr wау, lіѕtеn саrеfullу.

  1. Bе Pаtіеnt іn Prауеr.

As a final point, remember thаt just аѕ dеvеlоріng іntіmасу wіth аnоthеr реrѕоn tаkеѕ time, ѕо іt іѕ wіth rеlаtіоnѕhір wіth God. Aѕ уоu grоw to truѕt him аnd bеlіеvе whаt He ѕауѕ in Hіѕ Wоrd mоrе аnd mоrе, уоur intimacy wіth him grows.

Finally, Gоd wаntѕ іntіmасу wіth уоu. Chrіѕt hаѕ dоnе аll thе hаrd wоrk on thе сrоѕѕ tо mаkе іt роѕѕіblе. Hе wаntѕ уоu tо truѕt hіm wіth аll уоur hеаrt.

Whісh mеаnѕ hіѕ іnvіtаtіоn tо уоu tо еnjоу іntіmасу wіth him іѕ thе рrоvіdеnсеѕ іn уоur lіfе that аrе tеѕtіng уоur fаіth mоrе thаn аnуthіng еlѕе.

Whаt уоu muѕt truѕt Gоd mоѕt fоr rіght nоw іѕ whеrе hе mеаnѕ fоr уоu tо drаw сlоѕеr to hіm.

7 Proven Ways to Strengthen Your Prayers

Do you want to strengthen your prayers? Prayers are the gasoline that fuels every believer in life. It is the sole medium of communication with the Father.

It bridges the gap between reality and faith, and help us better make sense of it all.

The bible showed us how powerful it is to the Christian life. Jesus was often seen on mountains, deserts, and other odd places, praying. He even thought His disciples how to pray.

To them he said, pray without ceasing.

Strengthen Your Prayers

Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash

 

However, as great as this inevitable tool is to every believer, most of us still struggle with it. We get on our knee and before we know it, we dose off.

We try to sit up, only to find ourselves the next day on the other side of the bed.

If that describes you, don’t worry. It happens to the best of us.

7 proven ways to strengthen your prayers, starting today.

 

  1. Approach God with a Sense of Worthiness.

Yes. As believers, we sometimes get into prayers feeling guilty of all the wrongs we’ve done, or how not faithful we’ve been to God. This feeling is normal.

However, Hebrews 4:16 made us understand that we should come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

It doesn’t matter how you feel before coming to God in prayers. All that matters is a sense of worthiness; that no matter how bad you’ve turned out – no matter how prodigal a son you’ve been –

He is still willing (and always willing) to hear you out. Know this: it matters to God even more than it is to you that you communicate with Him in prayers.

  1. Be Open-Minded.

If there is something God loves about his children, it would be to be as open-minded with Him as much as possible. Think of it for a minute.

He already knows everything about you; all you’ve done, all you’re doing, and all you’re going to do. Don’t you think it’s a deception to not open up everything to Him when you come in prayers?

King David was one open-minded prayer warrior. He would come to God in tears, bearing everything he had done and exactly how he feels about what he has done.

He speaks to God like a Father that He is. Little wonder God called him ‘a man after His own heart’ in 1 Samuel 13:14.

  1. Pray More Often.

Prayers, like any other thing in life, requires practice and consistency to master. Yes, as believers, this is supposed to be the language we speak all the time, easily.

But sadly, we live in a world full of distractions; where our flesh easily gets carried away at the detriment of our spirit man.

This is why we need to discipline ourselves in order to strengthen our prayer life.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:27, ‘But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…’ That is the type of discipline we all need as believers.

We need to bring our bodies under subjection, just like we try our best to go to the gym or do some form of exercise every single day.

The more often you pray, the more effective your prayer life would be.

  1. Engage in Corporate Prayers.

The bible said in Matthew 18:19 that, ‘Again I say to you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.’

Now, this scripture not only emphasizes how powerful corporate prayers are, but it also shows us how important it is to pray together with another believer.

Isaac Watts says it better in his famous book, A Guide to Prayer, ‘if we pray among a select society of Christians, we draw near to God with holy boldness, something like what we use in our duties of secret worship.

We have reason to take more freedom among fellow saints and whose hearts have felt many of the same workings as our own.’

Related Article: 13 Reasons Why I Believe in the Power of Prayer.

  1. Pray in Tongues.

Praying in tongues is praying in the language that confuses the devil and edifies us as believers.

I love how the New Living Translation of 1 Corinthians 14:4 puts it, ‘A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally…’

By so doing, you strengthen your spirit man more than you can imagine.

Have you ever wondered why it’s far easier to pray for long hours while praying in tongues?

It is because when your spirit man is energized in tongues, doing spiritual things – like a prayer – becomes easier.

Want to strengthen your prayers? Pray more often in tongues.

  1. Listen to God.

Like I will always say, prayer is not a monologue; it is you having a conversation with God – a dialogue.

Now, if you keep talking to God as opposed to talking with God, you will always feel frustrated in prayers because it feels like you’re only doing all the talking without hearing from the person on the other side.

This is why you need to learn to listen to God while praying. Sometimes, the answer to your prayers lies within one word from God.

Do not shut Him out; talk and listen for Him to respond. Now, this response comes in the form of an impression upon your spirit or – rarely – in an audible voice.

  1. Get a Prayer Partner (Accountability Partner).

Besides the power in corporate prayers, getting an accountability prayer partner helps strengthen your prayer life in a number of ways.

First, you lift each other up when one is down, prayer-wise. You encourage each other in prayers, and while praying. Secondly, an accountability partner helps your discipline.

Just like you try to please someone when you’re paired to do a task, an accountability prayer partner would do likewise.

I like to end with this powerful quote from Mother Teresa,

“In the silence of the heart, God speaks. If you face God in prayer and silence, God will speak to you. Then you will know that you are nothing.

It is only when you realize your nothingness, your emptiness, that God can fill you with Himself. Souls of prayer are souls of great silence.” 

Top 13 Benefits of Couples Praying Together

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20(NIV)

Interested in knowing the benefits of couples praying together?

Did you know that less than 1% of couples who pray together end their marriages?

Couples Praying Together


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A powerful couple is one that prays together. Spouses who pray together weather the storms of life together.

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Sadly, most Christian couples don’t pray together. Conflicting schedules, distractions, and lack of time are some of the reasons most couples give for not practicing this discipline.

But here is the thing:

The devil attacks at the point of unity. That is why the institution of marriage is under attack.

Praying together will help the two of you to rise above obstacles that the enemy has set before you. It will also help you to glorify God with your marriage.

 

Strategies for Praying Together

To have a fruitful prayer life, the two of you need to come up with strategies for praying together.

Here are a few strategies that will help you have a meaningful prayer life:

Have a discussion about Praying together First

It may seem obvious for a Christian couple to pray together, but having a discussion is very important.

Your idea of praying together may be different from your spouse. You need to talk about it so that you can be on the same page when you start praying.

In your discussion, talk about:

  • How the two of you will be praying

We have different styles of praying. Some people are not comfortable with the concept of praying out loud, especially when they are with others.

Other people prefer pouring out their hearts to God verbally, while others prefer journaling their prayers.

The two of you need to be open about this so that you can be comfortable when starting out.

  • The day and time you will start praying

Planning ahead of time will help ensure that you turn your ideas into action. It is good to plan ahead so that everyone can adjust accordingly.

Be Graceful to yourselves

Here is the truth you may start out fine but make mistakes along the way.

Don’t judge yourselves harshly when you skip a day. But make sure to get back on track immediately, or else you will end up quitting the whole thing.

Assign Responsibilities

To make the process easier and to ensure everyone is active in this, assign responsibilities.

One person can be in charge of reminders and finding themes for the day. While the other one can lead prayers or share the word.

To avoid overwhelm and promote balance, make sure to exchange responsibilities.

Praying Together

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Agree not to use Prayer as a means of attack and justification

Marriage is hard; there will be times when the two of you will rub each other the wrong way. But that doesn’t mean that you should stop praying together.

Having said that, you need to be very careful in such times. The two of you should not use prayer to attack each other or justify your mistakes.

Pray for each other even when you have personal issues and try to resolve issues amicably.

What are the benefits of Christian couples praying together?

Praying Together Promotes Unity

Becoming one in marriage is not a one-time thing. It is a process that requires wisdom and effort.

Through prayer, the two of you will be able to seek God’s wisdom about becoming one. Prayer will also help you to see yourselves as teammates that share the same common goals.

Your marriage will be strengthened as you stand in agreement with your partner. Praying together will also help you reinforce the goals you have as a couple.

In times when you’re going through challenges, prayer will help you to unite and fight against those problems.

If your desire is to have unity in your marriage, consider praying together with your spouse regularly. (Amos 3:3)

Prayer together will help you appreciate each other

As couples continue living together, the nostalgia for each other gets replaced with schedules and busyness.

The things that used to make you adore your spouse may start to annoy you. At some point, you may end up getting too familiar with your significant other.

You may overlook the new things God is doing in your partner’s life because of familiarity.

Jesus could not perform miracles in his home town because of familiarity. To the people of Nazareth, Jesus was just a carpenter’s son. (Matthew 13:57-58)

Praying together with your spouse will help you see the great things that God is doing in their lives.

God will open your eyes so that you can see each other from different angles. You will start to see your spouse the way God sees them.

And know how to help them be the person God wants them to be as you go deeper in prayer.

Couples appreciate each other more when they fight and win battles together through prayer. So, remember to always fight together in prayer.

Related Article: 8 Benefits of Putting God-firstin your Life.

Emotional intimacy

Do you know that emotional intimacy can make or break your marriage?

Today, many couples do not have emotional intimacy because they have allowed work, children, and entertainment to overshadow their relationships.

Prayer is essential because it helps the two of you to indirectly share things you would not talk about one-on-one.

You will get to know some personal struggles that your spouse is facing as you pray together.  You will also get to see their vulnerable side and vice versa.

This will promote emotional intimacy.

Praying together invites God into your Relationship

Let’s be honest; most people invite God into their relationship when the going gets tough. But you have an enemy that wants to kill your love, steal your blessings, and destroy your marriage.

The two of you should rest easy. The enemy is out there prowling like a roaring lion waiting for an opportune time to pounce on your marriage.

You need to submit to God and resist the devil together. How do you do that? By praying without ceasing for your marriage and family.

Prayer invites God into our marriages. It is a way for the two of you to admit that you cannot do this without him.

Remember, a cord of three strands cannot be easily broken. God is the third strand in the cord of marriage. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Related Article: How to Begin your Day with God’s Promises.

Prayer Changes Relationships

You have tried everything. But all the effort you have put in to change your partner has failed. You feel like giving up. At this point, calling it quits seems like the best thing to do, but is it?

According to research, 60% of couples in marriage number two end up in a divorce. So giving up may not be the best solution, especially if there is no abuse or adultery involved.

Instead of trying to change your wife or husband, let God change them.  Prayer will give the two of you hope when all hope is lost.

Even if your marriage is good right now, you need to pray so that it can become significant.

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Helps us to submit to God and each other

Another great benefit of couples praying together is they learn how to submit.

See, being submissive is not as easy as people try to make it sound.

But through prayer, God humbles our hearts, and this causes us to submit to him.  When a couple submits to God, it becomes easy for them to submit to each other.

Submission is easy when you do everything as unto God and not man. (Colossians 3:23)

Draws you close to God

Christian couples need to be close to God.  Why?  It is only through being close to God that the two of you can be effective stewards of God’s resources.

God gave Adam and Eve the responsibility of taking care of his resources. So every man and woman has to take care of the resources God has given them.

Praying together will help you know God on a deeper level as a couple. It will also enable you to walk in the ways he has set for you.

Help you find direction

See, it is not just a coincidence that you married that man or woman.

The two of you have a ministry together, and God intends to you to accomplish His purposes on earth.

The best way for you to achieve his purposes is by following his direction. Praying together will help you know where he wants you to go as a couple and how to reach there.

Helps you to avoid temptations

There are so many temptations that we face as married couples.  Trying to overcome them in our own strength will only lead us to fall into the trap of the enemy.

We need God’s help so that we can avoid these temptations.

Going to God together and being completely honest about what you’re facing will not only promote faithfulness in your marriage.

But it will help you overcome them as God will deliver you from evil.

Prayer invites the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your Marriage and home

For us to be fruitful and successful in life, we need the presence of God in our lives.

The atmosphere of your home will change if you allow the Holy Spirit to take over.  Worry and anxiety will be replaced by the peace that surpasses all understanding.

But remember, the Holy Spirit cannot force himself into your home.  You need to invite him in, that is why praying together as a couple is essential.

The presence of God in your home will be directly proportional to the quality of your prayer life.

Photo by Sydney Rae on Unsplash

Helps you build your home on the right foundation

There is an increase in the divorce rate because people have allowed the enemy to take over the institution of marriage.

Many people, Christians included, have allowed the pop culture to define their marriages.

Instead of letting celebrities tell you what marriage is all about, go to the one that created this institution. He will give you the original blueprint and help you and your partner to live accordingly.

Let Jesus be the true foundation for your marriage. He will help you two to overcome the storms you will face in your marriage if you allow him to.

Start praying together so that you may know him intimately, and allow him to take charge of your marriage.

Praying together helps you Love Unconditionally

Imagine someone gave you a copy of a photo that you took with friends recently. Who would be the first person, you will look for in the photo?

You, right?

Yes, of course. We are fallen beings and that means we think about self first. We are inclined to put ourselves first before any other person.

Prayer will open up your hearts and help you see how selfish you are towards each other.

Through it, God will expose your selfish motives and help you love each other unconditionally. Prayer will also help you to focus on other people and not just the two of you.

Helps us to know Jesus More

Earthly marriages are a symbol of the relationship between Jesus and the church.

Through marriage, we get to understand Jesus’ unconditional love for the church. You will understand why he gave up his life for you. You will also learn why he doesn’t hold anything against you.

Praying with your wife or husband will help you see facets of Jesus you haven’t seen before through your partner.

In short:

There are so many benefits of Christian couples praying together. Prayer is the secret behind marriage withstanding the test of time.

If you want your marriage to withstand tests and trials, make praying together with a regular habit.  Find a schedule that works for both of you so that you can succeed in your endeavors.

Remember, marriage is not about the two of you, it all starts and ends with God. So make prayer a major part of your relationship so that God can hold it together.

FAQ

Why couples should pray together?

Praying together increases trust and intimacy with spouse: Intimacy is built on trust, and trust is built on how we respond to being vulnerable with each other.
Praying together helps you show and receive trust that strengthens the bonds of intimacy in your relationship.

How do couples start praying together?

Most people just need ideas to get going, so here are some that can help start your prayer life well.

LINKS

https://www.bikellaw.com/blog/9/remarriage-after-divorce-what-are-your-odds/

https://churchplants.com/articles/10355-how-pop-culture-messes-with-our-view-of-love-and-beauty.html

13 Reasons Why I Believe in the Power of Prayer

Prayer is powerful because it disrupts the status quo in your life. I have many reasons why I believe in the power of prayer, and I outline them in this article.

Power of Prayer

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After praying, I feel refreshed and ready to face the day. Marilee Pierce Dunker notes that Jesus needed a break from the demands of his busy life to recharge and spend time with God.

In this season of the Coronavirus pandemic, we need the power of prayer.

Anxiety and fear have taken over people’s hearts, but we can rest because our prayers are powerful James 5:16. We may not fellowship with others in the church, but we can spend time with a powerful God.

In an article on All About Prayer, the power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to.

Below are 13 reasons why I believe in the power of prayer

Changes Things

When I pray, I invite God’s intervention into my situation and I always see the results I desire.

God moves on my behalf and changes what needs to change and removes anything that threatens to destroy my life.

Blow The Trumpet notes that sometimes prayer prevails where preaching fails. Prayer is a powerful weapon to change things in our lives.

I have seen God’s goodness in my life and I can always go to him in prayer knowing he will do something about my situation.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28.

Transform Me

Jude 20 says, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” Praying in the Holy Spirit builds you up in your inner being and in your faith.

Prayer is transformational when you open your heart to God. I always feel refreshed and edified when I pray as the Spirit leads me.

The Bible In One Year blog notes, “Prayer is spiritual nutrition. Just as the body needs physical food, so the soul needs spiritual food.

Prayer changes us.” When we pray, we invoke that power to change our hearts so that we will become Christlike. Prayer is life to me, and that is why I believe in the power of prayer.

I Get the Desires of My Heart

God expects us to pray over our heart’s desires because he put them in us. I know that when I pray for the desires that align with God’s will, I will get them.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

When I approach God and ask him to give me the desires of my heart, I know he will answer.

There is nothing glorious as receiving my desires from the Lord. They bless my heart, and my faith grows because I get to live the abundant life that Christ came to give me.

God desires to meet my needs and when I pray to him, he meets them according to his riches in glory in Christ.

God Answers Prayer

1 John 5:14-15 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

This means that I have the assurance of answered prayer as long as I pray. I can thank God in advance knowing I have received what I have asked of him.

God’s promise is that he hears all prayers, not some of them. This is very comforting because it lets me know that my prayers are not in vain.

The power of prayer is evident when God hears and answers my prayers and I can look forward to the manifestation of my prayers upon my life.

Related Article: 15 Prayers for Protection from Enemies.

Protects My Life 

As a Christian, I need protection over my life every day. Jesus prayed for my protection against my enemy.

He said in John 17:15, “ I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.”

I need the protection of God from the enemy who is always looking for an opportunity to devour me.

I also need God’s protection from the storms of life and from diseases and pestilences Psalm 91:10.

By praying for God’s protection, I can rest because I know that he will send his angels to watch over me and deliver me from evil.

God is full of mighty power, and I access it when I pray and believe that he is watching over me.

 Heather Riggleman sums it up by saying that prayer is our fiercest weapon against the enemy and all things in this fallen world.

Prayer

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

Fills My Mind and Heart With Peace

Instead of getting anxious when things don’t go my way, I can pray and tap into the power of God.

I have the assurance of God’s peace when I pray because some situations in life cause me to lack peace Philippians 4:6-7.

A peaceful mind and heart allow me to make sound decisions and sleep well at night. I don’t have to worry about my situation because I know that God is handling it.

It’s important to seek God, especially in the current season when the world is dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic.

It is a situation that is beyond the control of any human being or nation. By seeking God in prayer, we can have peace and look forward to better days ahead.

Gives Me Hope

I believe in the power of prayer because it fills me with hope. My hope comes from God because he is the only one who can turn around any situation for my good and comfort my heart.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 says, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”

Hope gives me something to look forward to knowing God has a plan for me, although I may not see it.

When my hope comes from God, I can trust that I am in safe hands because he is the one who directs my steps. He leads me to where I need to be on any given day.

Fills Me With Faith

Praying often fills me with faith because I know that I am talking to a God who listens and answers prayer.

Seeing the answers to my prayers lifts my spirits and renews my hope in living an abundant Christian life.

When I pray over the things I desire for my life, I am filled with faith because I know I will see them. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1.

Being full of faith after praying is the reason why I believe in the power of prayer. As long as I stand in faith, I will see answers to my prayers knowing the glory goes to God.

When you have faith in God, you believe him for more.

Moves the Mountains in My Life

Prayer is powerful because it moves mountains. Some situations in my life have become mountains but as I lift them up to God, they leave my life and I can rejoice.

When I command my mountains to go and believe without a shadow of a doubt, I know that they have gone. I can trust that I will see the result of my prayers.

Jesus taught us this lesson in Mark 11:22-24 when he said,

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

Quiets the Storms in My Life

Storms are a part of life but God has given us authority over them. I don’t have to fear the storms in my life because I know that through prayer, I can silence them.

I believe in the one who rebukes storms and has taught me to do the same through prayer.

Jesus was asleep in the boat when a storm came because he knew he had equipped the disciples to handle it. When they didn’t he rebuked them for their little faith (Matthew 8:24-26).

The power of prayer quiets the storms in my life and leaves me with a lot of peace.

Brings Angelic Help to My Life

God is my protector and when I need help, he sends his angels. They are his messengers who serve those who will inherit salvation, these are the believers of Jesus Christ.

Angels obey God’s word, not mine and when I pray God’s word, he sends his angels. “Praise the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word” Psalm 103:20.

God’s angels protect me from harm and watch over me wherever I go. I may not see them, but I know they are there. This is the unseen power of prayer.

“No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone” Psalm 91:10-12.

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

God’s Will is Done in My Life

A reason why I believe in the power of prayer is that it brings God’s will into my life. I know that when my life is aligned with what God desires, I will succeed in all I do.

To know God’s will, I have to engage him through prayer and listen to his answers. The only way I will not follow the way of the world is to know God’s will and live it.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

I experience the power of prayer when my life is in line with God’s will. His will is found in his word. According to Apostle Jonas Clark, praying the word of God is essential to a robust prayer life.

Fills Me With Divine Wisdom

Prayer fills me with wisdom because I tap into God’s vast treasures of wisdom and knowledge. God desires that we will know his wisdom and the only way to do that is to pray for it.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” James 1:5.

According to an article on Blow The Trumpet, we don’t lay aside our wisdom but we submit it to the Holy Spirit. This allows God’s wisdom to prevail above mine.

Conclusion

The above are reasons why I believe in the power of prayer, there are many more. God is powerful and mighty and there is nothing impossible with him.

His words never fail Luke 1:37 and carry immense power. Through prayer, I tap into God’s amazing power which is not available anywhere else.

Blow The Trumpet sums up the power of prayer in a powerful way.

“In every area of our lives and in every activity of our church work and service for the Lord Jesus we must be men and women of prayer if we are to know spiritual power from on high!”

God’s power is available to us for every area of our lives.

13 Prayers for Anxiety and Depression

Prayers for anxiety and depression will help you in your time of great difficulty. Difficult circumstances in life can cause you to feel anxious and depressed.

This happens when you don’t know how to handle some situations that threaten your life.

Prayers for Anxiety and Depression

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According to an article on Crosswalk.com, anxiety, and depression stem from attempts to control either the future (through worrying) or the past (by trying to change what has happened).

Billy Graham said anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered on anything short of God and his will for us.

God’s word directs us to pray over everything instead of worrying about any situation (Philippians 4:6-7).

The result of praying instead of worrying is the promise of God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. It guards your heart and mind and this keeps you from anxiety and depression.

Below are 13 prayers for anxiety and depression

 

#1 Prayer for God’s loving Words.

Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.”

Lord, I praise you for you are full of glory and majesty. You are my healer and deliverer and I can always count on you to be by my side.

I ask that you fill my mind with your words so that my heart may be glad.

Remove all anxiety from my heart and show me how to trust in you day by day. Help me not to worry about what tomorrow holds but to focus on today, which is the present.

You are in charge of my tomorrow and I know you have good plans for my life.

May the truth in your words fill my heart to overflowing.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

#2 Prayer to be still and listen to God.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Lord, thank you for the solutions for everything I go through in this life. You care about every aspect of my life and want to see me in good mental health.

When my mind is healthy, I can make sound decisions.

Help me to still my mind so I can hear you speaking to me. Your words always uplift my soul and give me hope for a better life.

Teach me to quiet my mind daily and identify your still small voice.

Give me the discernment I need to identify your voice from that of the stranger. I want to follow what you are saying to me.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

#3 Prayer to discern the presence of God.

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Lord, I praise you because you are my helper and deliverer. Today I ask you to help me discern your presence in my life.

You promised that you are always with me at all times. I don’t have to fear because you are always watching over me.

Strengthen me to face each day without fear and anxiety. Help me overcome my depressing thoughts and only allow positive ones in my mind.

May your light shine on my path that I will see where I am going with clarity.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

#4 Prayer for renewal of Hope.

Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Lord, my days are full of darkness. My soul is downcast and I have a hard time keeping my head up.

Come to my rescue and deliver me from the anxiety and depression I feel. They weigh me down every day and that makes me not want to face the world.

I will put my hope in you from this day forward. My eyes will be on you and your mighty power. Your praise will be on my lips and I will remember that you are my savior.

I will not allow disturbing thoughts to fill my mind but only those that build me up.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Related Article: 15 Prayers for Protection from- Enemies.

#5 Prayer for casting out a spirit of Fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Lord, you said you have not given me a spirit of fear and today I cast it out of my life. I refuse to partner with the fearful thoughts it brings to my mind.

My mind is holy ground and I will only allow thoughts that are pleasing to you.

Forgive me for when I gave in to fear instead of trusting in you. Help me come to you in prayer instead of worrying about anything.

I reject anxiety and depression and declare they will not prevail over my mind.

I will guard my mind because I know the power it has over my life.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

#6 Prayer to trust in the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Lord, thank you because you are my hope and salvation. You have given me life and have sustained me all these years.

Forgive me for when I try to make sense of many things in my life instead of trusting in you.

Show me how to trust in you on my darkest days when I’m surrounded by doom and gloom.

I know that you are the one with the truth and I can trust you to show it to me in every situation.

Help me stop worrying about the future but know that you are in control of it.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

#7 Prayer to be anxious over nothing

Philippians 4:6-8 “Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.”

Lord, your word has a solution for everything I face in life. Instead of worrying and being anxious, I will pray over everything that troubles me.

Today I hand over to you every situation that troubles me and trust that you can solve it.

I ask that you help me with the challenges I face in my family, work, goals, and relationships.

May your peace that surpasses all understanding guard my heart and mind and keep me from anxiety and depression.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

#8 Prayer for deliverance from oppressive thoughts.

Psalm 9:9 “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble.”

Lord, I struggle with oppressive thoughts that leave me feeling anxious and depressed. My attempts to overcome them have failed. I come to you because you know how to help me.

Deliver my mind from dark thoughts that steal my joy. I take refuge in you because you are my strength. Teach me how to guard my mind and not allow thoughts that are not of you.

Help me check every thought against your word and let go of those that don’t align with it. I will fill my mind with hopeful thoughts that leave me feeling positive.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Related Article: How to get your Prayers Answered a Helpful Guide.

#9 Prayer to cast your cares on the Lord.

1 Peter 5:6-7 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Lord, thank you for always caring for me and showering me with your unfailing love. You are a loving Father and care about every aspect of my life, even the little things.

Your concern for my affairs comforts me because I know you will never leave nor forsake me.

I place myself under your care and trust that you will care for my needs. Help me not to worry about them because you have promised to provide for me.

I don’t have to worry and be anxious about how you will meet them.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

#10 Prayer against worry

Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Lord, you are the God who has a plan for my life. It is a plan to give me a future and a hope. I don’t have to worry because my life is in your hands.

You are in charge of my life and I will not worry about how it will turn out.

Help me not to worry about the troubles of today but to know you will help me handle them. You give me strength for each day and fill my life with your blessings.

Worry cannot add a day to my life and I banish it from my mind.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

#11 Prayer against a troubled Heart.

John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

Lord, you always comfort me when I go through troubling times. You have promised to deliver me from all my troubles so I may live an abundant life.

My heart is troubled today because of the issues in my life. I don’t know how to deal with them and I am filled with troubling thoughts.

I will believe in your mighty power to save me because you are my savior. You are my strength and hope and because of you, I can look forward to better days.

Help me trade my troubling thoughts with your word which is the truth. I will guard my heart against evil.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

#12 Prayer for a Cheerful Heart.

Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Lord, I praise you because you are all-knowing and all-powerful. There is no other God like you. My spirit is crushed because of many things happening in my life.

I feel hurt and depressed and don’t know where to turn for help.

My eyes are on you because you are the only one who can help me get through the pain I feel. Give me a cheerful heart that will bring health to my mind and body.

My troubles have made me feel weak and afraid. May your words bring health to me and fill me with cheer.

Grant me your joy and gladness so I will walk with confidence knowing all shall be well.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

#13 Prayer for joy in your Spirit

Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Lord, thank you for helping me whenever I have struggles and challenges. It is hard for me to feel your joy because of a heavy heart.

Today I ask you to help me rejoice despite the things I am going through in my life.

Grant me the grace to rejoice knowing my troubles will be gone tomorrow. You promised that you will make all things work together for my good.

That’s enough to make me rejoice because you have defeated the enemy in my life.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

In closing

You can overcome anxiety and depression with God’s help. He has the solutions for what you are worrying about all day.

According to Laurie Coombs, when we let the light of Christ shine into our hearts and minds, we will most definitely see darkness flee.

Prayers for Anxiety and Depression Resources. Below are books you can read on how you can deal with the anxious and depressing thoughts you feel.

  1. Overcoming Anxiety and Depression by Bob Phillips
  2. When the Darkness Will Not Lift by John Piper
  3. Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
  4. Spurgeon’s Sorrows by Zack Eswine

 

Here’s an inspiring quote on anxiety.

“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”

 ~ Charles Spurgeon

Pastor David Small is an Ordained Minister and Life Coach. He is an ordained minister since 1988. Shortly after receiving Jesus as his personal savior, he answered the call to ministry. Read More

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