Prayer Keeps Us Looking

“Prayer keeps us looking. Prayer keeps the burden fresh…. Prayer sensitizes us to subtle changes in the landscape of our circumstances. When he begins to move, we are apt to recognize it.” – Andy Stanley

 Prayer is probably the most powerful thing that connects us to God. Prayer brings us into alignment with God and his activity in this world. It is prayer that brings us to the intersection of the right place and the right time of God’s will, yet we often pray to small. If we do not get prayer right, it will be difficult for us to live out the calling God has placed before us. No there is not some magic formula to prayer, but we must be diligent to keep prayer a priority in our lives.  Our Christian walk will rise and fall on prayer or the lack thereof.  (Tweet This)

Prayer keeps us looking

 “Keep asking and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

 This verse is a key principle that we live out every day of our lives. What you look for you will find. If you look for the negative, the negative is what you will find. If you look for God, God is who you will find. Prayer makes sure we are looking for the right things. Prayer keeps our eyes looking in the right direction. (Tweet This)

Prayer keeps the burden fresh

 If we stay alert God will place burdens on our heart for specific situations and causes. We can ignore them or take them back to God in prayer. If we ignore them they will be easily forgotten, but when we pray for them they stay fresh each day in heart and minds.  A prayer journal can help. When I feel that God is leading me to pray for something specific it helps me to write it down. I will even set myself reminders. I don’t have rely just on my own memory but can use technology to keep my prayers on track. 

Prayer sensitizes us to subtle changes in our circumstances. 

 Often God does a work overtime. Prayer puts us n a place so that we are aware when God begins to create change. It also allows us to see what God has already been doing, and helps us recognize and to be grateful for the small blessings. Prayer leads us to focus on what we have and not on what we don’t.

Prayer helps us see when God is at work 

 Prayer opens our eyes to see beyond our current circumstances and environment.  We are more sensitive to the move of his Spirit. Suddenly what we thought was a quick errand to the store or just another day at work becomes and opportunity to share the gospel. If prayer is lacking in our lives it is easy to miss what God is up too. 

 “Not only do our prayers please God, the Holy Spirit uses them to accomplish heaven’s purpose on earth.” – Bryan Chapell  

 Prayer keeps us looking to our call that God has placed before us. Prayer should be more than just looking for an escape from trouble, but a way to draw us into God’s activity and purpose. God is always up to something greater than we expect. We should pray for God to move in ways that are far beyond our own abilities. We should keep looking for and expecting the miraculous. (Tweet This)

 “Jesus taught us to lead creatively and wisely, but he refused to tell us exactly how to do it. He just said that the Word of God must be our Truth, and that he would leave his Spirit to guide ours. He  told us to pray.” – Richard Kriegbaum 

Your voice is important; I would love to hear from you.

 What are your prayers keeping you looking for?

How can I pray for you this week? – click here to send me your request

Be sure and subscribe to my YouTube Channel

 PS. Don’t miss out. Sign up for free updates. Then be sure and connect on Facebook!

About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.