Prayer Changes Everything

            Prayer changes everything. I have not slept well the last couple of nights, no particular reason, (well, actually, a lot of reasons). When I do not sleep well, it affects everything. I get weepy, my arthritis pain increases, I just feel miserable, both physically and emotionally without the proper amount of sleep. That was the case this morning, I just felt yucky. I had to be up early to take our fifteen year old dachshund to the vet. That alone is a daunting task. He is so scared of the vet’s office. I’ve tried to convince him that our vet is a wonderful lady. I love her, but I guess that is hard to see from his perspective. I’m always excited to see her, for him, not so much. I always have to hold him still while they are doing their exam and giving him shots. He fights me with all of his strength and it wears me out. Well, it was not a happy experience today. He and I came home exhausted from the appointment, me with a bum shoulder and the pain associated with that, and him, just a worn out old dog. I headed for the couch and he headed for his bed. My pain level was so intense that I started my own little weepy, pity party. I get disgusted with myself when I act that way, but I have to give myself a little slack because I know most of the weepiness today was from lack of sleep.

            Well, after a time, I got sick of my pity party and went to my private prayer closet to talk to the Lord about it. My heart was heavy with several things, including an upcoming shoulder surgery, and my love and concern for some dear friends of ours who are in the waiting process of their upcoming adoption of a precious little girl. I closed the door to my little “prayer closet”, dropped to my knees and wept before the Lord. Remember that I said that prayer changes everything? Well, it does, but what usually changes during prayer is not my circumstances, but the way I look at them, and that is what happened today. As soon as I started praying, my focus went from my pitiful self-focus, to heart-felt, agonizing prayer for my dear friends, my family, loved ones and others. I poured my heart out to God with complete honesty, begging Him on behalf of my friends, asking for His help in every circumstance that concerns me, reminding Him of His goodness and promises and pleading with Him to intervene. Soon, my prayers turned into deep worship and adoration for Him and genuine thankfulness for His goodness. It was such an incredible time. My weeping turned to joy and my fear turned to peace.

            After finishing my prayer time, I picked up a couple of my favorite devotion books, and my Bible and began reading. The devotions led me to several Scriptures that blessed my heart and that spoke directly to what I had talked to God about. I continue to be amazed when He speaks directly to me through His written Word. It really is alive and active in my life! It is always relevant and useful in my life. He uses His Word to teach and guide me. He has walked with us through so many circumstances and He promises that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us and He never does. When I left out of that little quiet place of prayer, my attitude was completely different. My tears were tears of joy, hope, trust and thankfulness rather than tears of pain, fear, doubt and self-focus. He is so faithful. His grace and mercy continue to amaze me.

            Well, just as I requested this morning in my prayer, He gave me courage and strength to get through this day, He gave Me His Word to guide me, He continues to bless, grant peace and show favor to my dear friends who are adopting, He eased the pain in my body enough that I was able to enjoy and complete the tasks which I needed to get done today and He even sent a few people my way today just to encourage me in surprising ways. He is so good. I am truly grateful that He has taught us in His Word how to pray and that He allows us to communicate directly with Him. We even have a Great Intercessor that intercedes to the Father on our behalf. That is incredible!

I’ll end this the same way I started - prayer changes everything, but mostly it changes our attitude. When we pray, our circumstances may not change right away, but, He will give us what we need to walk through them until they do. Have you spent any time quietly talking with the Lord lately? He is waiting for you. His heart is open and ready to listen. He loves to hear from us. I’ve included the Scriptures that He sent me this morning. I hope that they encourage you. God bless and thanks for reading!

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” 2 Corinthians 4:17(NIV)

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today… The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)