Are You Praying Too Much?

A large part of serving God is staying in contact with Him through prayer.  Your relationship with God depends on good communication.  We need to construct our prayers in a way that pleases God and not in a way that irritates Him.

Turning on the Power of Prayer

We’ve all heard stories of miraculous events following a sincere effort to petition God through prayer.  I’ve personally experienced the power of prayer in my life and I’m sure you have as well if you’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ for any period of time.  There is no question in my mind – God hears prayers.  Of course the question we all have is why do so many prayers seemingly go unanswered?  Why does God respond in such a powerful way on some occasions and not lift a finger in others?  We can only surmise God has a greater good in mind when He makes a decision to pass over our prayer request.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

How to Stay Connected with God

As a follower of Jesus Christ your life should be a constant conversation with God – pray without ceasing.  The only way possible to pray too much is when you stop doing everything else and just pray.  God wants you to do your part.  If you’re going to pray for a better job, say amen while you send out a barrage of resumes.  Take action.  Prayer is meaningless if it’s not backed up with action.

When Jesus was asked how we should pray, he gave the Lord’s Prayer as an example (Luke 11:1-4; Matt. 6:9-13).  The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to recognize God as our loving Father, in time He will rid us of evil, He is our provider, He offers us forgiveness which we are to model in our lives, this life is difficult but He is always with us, and ultimately we will live in eternity with Him in peace.  That’s the essence of God in one quick prayer.  That should be the image of God we hold in our heart as we communicate with Him every minute of every day.

While our ongoing conversation with God through prayer is ultimately a direct connection to our Lord, it is also a chance to evaluate ourselves.  We need to ask ourselves why we are praying.  What have we done do resolve our situation?  What alternative outcome should we be considering?  Are we open to moving in a new direction if that is God’s will?  Connecting with God through prayer is also an opportunity to evaluate our own efforts and make necessary corrections.

Philippians 4:6 (NASB)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

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The Way of the World is Not the Way of Peace