REASONS TO PRAY

First of all, what is prayer? Prayer is the act of communicating with God, with a higher power. It doesn’t have to consist of the standard prayers we learned as a child. A prayer can consist of a simple phrase or two. “Lord, I’m thinking of you today. Please brighten my day and assist me in all that I do.

”An essential aspect of daily prayer is the belief that you are communicating with God. It is also vitally important that you have faith that your prayers will be answered. Like:

“…prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well...” James 5:15

“Pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

“Prayer produces prosperity.” Jeremiah 29:7

“Prayer provides wisdom.” James 1:4

“Prayer yields peace.” Phil 4:6-7

Personally, I like to engage in meditative prayer. My prayer of choice is the Rosary, which I say on a regular basis. A string of beads, called Rosary beads, are used to keep track of the prayers as they are recited. The Rosary allows me to focus on a particular subject as the prayers are repeated. Sometimes I’ll focus on my relationship with the Lord. Other times I’ll focus on a special request that I might have. In either case, I find it very relaxing, almost soothing. Although I have no proof, I believe that my blood pressure is lower when I engage in prayer. I also feel renewed and refreshed after a session of prayer. It’s similar to a form of meditation where a mantra is repeated over and over.

There are many reasons for praying, like:

Numerous scientific studies indicate that prayer can have significant beneficial effects. These studies have shown that
those who pray regularly tend to be happier, more peaceful, and healthier than those who don't.

Pray on a regular basis. That way, when the inevitable day comes and you finally arrive at the pearly gates, the Lord will recognize you.

Prayers are answered if you truly believe. This is the basis for the popular program called The Law of Attraction. In fact, the main thesis for this and the entire positive thinking industry is a quote taken directly from the bible:

“but most of all…all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive”.

Fight the Good Fight

The world has a lot of negative people in it. Are you one of them? Do you expect the worst from situations? Do you criticize more often than praise? It does not have to be this way. A positive attitude can be as simple as changing the way you look at things.

The solution is simple but changing old belief patterns is not always easy to do. Most of us have been stuck in old belief patterns for quite some time. The problem with negative patterns is that they do not get us what we want out of life.

For example, we often believe the events of our past can pretty much predict our futures. With this being the case, we spend a lot of time worrying about our past and our future. By doing this we miss the opportunity to enjoy today.

So how do we learn to live in the here and now? What we often forget, is that we have a choice. We can choose to experience happiness instead of getting caught up in the chaos of negative thinking. Making the goal of peace of mind and happiness your single most important goal. When you catch yourself falling back into old negative ways, switch your focus back to your goal.

Other factors are also involved. For instance, we spent a lot of time trying to control others; their thoughts, their feelings, and their actions. We can only change how we see the world, other people and ourselves. Once again it boils down to what we choose to do.

We can also learn to see the goodness in ourselves, our relationships and in our work place. Happiness will come easier this way as opposed to finding fault in our world.

A part of having a positive lifestyle is sharing it with others. So you remember how good it feels to do something for someone else without being asked to do it. This is what is called an unconditional gift of love. Look for opportunities to do good deeds for others or give them praise for their abilities. Goodwill can be contagious.

Another factor needed for true happiness is forgiveness. Forgiveness is more than just telling someone, I forgive you, it comes from sincere intentions. This will free us from our negative feelings such as guilt, sadness, fear, anger and resentment.

Knowing these principles is one thing, living them is another. It takes time to change old ways of thinking but it is worth the time and effort. If we are willing to work at being consistent in what we think say and do, true happiness will be ours.

Peace in the Midst of Persecution

The persecution of Christians is something very real in many parts of our world, and the following article is the testimony of someone from China who has experienced persecution first hand. This is the story of Ming; someone I knew sometime ago. The story goes in her very own words….

“I was at an underground house church worshipping, when four officers barged in and stood before me. Though I was frightened for a moment, my heart soon calmed. One of them struck me in the face, knocked me down, and then beat me with his baton. He did not stop until a woman of the church bravely intervened.

Then the officers cuffed me, confiscated my Bible, hymnbook, and notebook, and asked me many questions. I answered with wisdom from God, as promised in Matthew 10.19 & 20. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

They took me to the police station and cuffed me to a chair with a guard standing by. Through all their atrocities, I was not the least bit afraid, for I knew the Lord was with me. I prayed, Lord, I thank you because you are using this experience to make me feel more of your presence and witness your mighty works.

The next morning they asked me more questions, but could not find any fault in my answers. The officers then left me alone. During their absence, I was able to recover my Bible, hymnbook, and notebook. I was so glad to regain my most important possessions! Around noon two women of the church came to visit me. They requested my release, saying they were willing to take my place. I was greatly moved by their gesture. Around three o clock the officers took me for more interrogation before releasing me.

Back at the meeting place, I learned how my church family was praying for me. My heart was extremely grateful to the Lord for pouring His great love. I knew for the first time how much He cares. I can now join Job in saying, My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”

This is just one story that occurs on a daily basis in many countries around the world. We do not always hear about this because in many cases the media and information outlets are carefully controlled by the authorities. I was moved by her story of faith, and I hope it might just move you too.

To Know GOD Is to Love Him

Many years ago than I care to remember there was a popular song that went like this: "To know, know, know him, is to love, love, love him; and I do." It had a catchy tune and sounded romantic. After all, when you're in love with someone, you want to know all there is to know about that person. The more you get to know that person, the more you're likely to love him/her.

That's the way it is with God's Love. You cannot give unconditional love unless you have it, and you don't know you have it until you give it away. You see, God's kind of love is very patient and kind. It is not envious, proud, or hypocritical, and does not seek self-satisfaction, exasperation or evil thoughts. It hates wrong-doing, but always rejoices in the truth. Love will endure much, being ever faithful, hopeful, and dependable.

Is that a tall order, or what! If you are to measure up to that definition of love, than you may be tempted to give up before you start, right? It's no wonder that so many marriages, partnerships, friendships and families are broken up every day!
The big question is, how can you ever be so much in love forever, even when the other person's love grows cold? Could you love someone who does not know you and you know is far from perfect? Your answer to that might be: "Only God could do that!"