Are you following Jesus? #27

Yesterday we seen that a follower of God should desire the Word of God on a regular basis as this is how we come to know God and His ways. Today I want followers of Jesus to see we also should desire prayer daily. Prayer is our communication line with God.



One of the first things we need to learn about this communication is God is not a magic genie bottle. We often use prayer just to ask for things. Asking things is not bad in itself but it is far short of what prayer is all about! This style of prayer leads us to a point where we are happy when we get what we want but unhappy when we don't! Not what prayer is about! One thing to remember here is God knows what you need before you even ask:



Matthew 6:8

8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.



So what is the purpose of prayer? Prayer is for the follower of Jesus to have intimacy with Him! It is our communication with God. Just like in any good relationship, communication is essential. It is no different with God. So let me ask right here....how much communication have you had with God today? Yesterday? Last week? Would the amount of communication you have had with God satisfy you in your relationship with your husband, wife, or best friend?



Jesus lets us know the importance of this communication with God:





Matthew 6:6

6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.



Find a place, set a time, and get alone with God. It will change your life!!!



When you get alone with God on a deeply personal level, you will feel the love of God, and in return you will give deep adoration and love in return. This is what God desires from His followers!



When we get personal with God in prayer if we have any unconfessed sin in our lives it will come out and our relationship with God will go even deeper as we realize this verse in our own life:



Romans 8:1

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.





Isn't that refreshing! This should be what every follower desires! Deep communion with our God!



So we meet with our Heavenly Father often as grateful children as the Word says:



1 Thessalonians 5:17

pray without ceasing,



God loves us and desires fellowship with us and as a result he will:



Philippians 4:19

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.



Pray, pray, pray brothers and sisters. It is of utmost importance for the follower of Jesus. Next to coming to Jesus, prayer and reading the Word are the two most important aspects of our faith. Do not neglect either!



Tom