I read on Facebook:
DO YOU PRAY?
I love this interpretation of Prayer. What is Prayer? Prayer doesn’t only happen when we kneel or put our hands together and focus and expect things from God. Thinking positive and wishing good for others is a prayer. When you hug a friend. That’s a prayer. When you cook something to nourish family and friends. That’s a prayer. When we send off our near and dear ones and say, ‘drive safely’ or ‘be safe’. That’s a prayer. When you’re helping someone in need by giving your time and energy. That’s a prayer. When you forgive someone, that is a prayer. Prayer is a vibration. A feeling. A thought. Prayer is the voice of love, friendship, genuine relationships. Prayer is an expression of the silent being. Keep praying always…
I think this is a brilliant reminder that prayer is so much more than a solemn request for help, an expression of thanksgiving, or an expression of praise to the Lord. We are called to honor the Lord through our actions as well.
In Greek, the word “pistos” means to be faithful, trusted, reliable, believing; to be always counted on; of a firm persuasion.
There are many synonyms for faithfulness: adherence, constancy, allegiance, dependability, fealty, duty, fidelity, loyalty, adhesion, piety, ardor, trustworthiness, truth, attachment, care, steadfastness, devotion, tried, reliable, unwavering, resolute, honest, punctual, and steady.
To be faithful is to put your faith into action
Your faith in God is the foundation of your beliefs. Faith is an ardent belief in God and the assurance that the Lord is working in our lives, even though we have no visible proof that God truly exists. Through our belief system, we worship Him, we praise Him, and we give Him thanks for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. It is through our faith that we believe that all things are possible with God. When we live in faithfulness to our family, friends, and fellow man, that is an extension of our faithfulness to God.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well you will receive an inheritance from Him as your reward. Be slaves of Christ the Lord.”
Romans 2:6
God “will repay every man for what he has done.”
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not grow weary of doing good; if we do not relax our efforts, in due time we shall reap our harvest.”
ACTION STEPS:
- PUT TOGETHER A PRAYER JOURNAL
Our relationship with God should not become unnecessarily complicated. As we journal our prayers and grow in intimacy with God, we can voice our needs and wants freely and openly. As we become aware that our prayers have been answered, we can record praise and thanks to the Lord. As we read back over our journal, we can see how God is actively working in our lives without us “seeing” His presence in our lives which is the basis of our faith. We grow in faith and confidence that God is always listening to our prayers.
- FOCUS ON A SAINT’S LIFE AS INSPIRATION BEFORE YOU BEGIN WRITING YOUR PRAYER JOURNAL
- FIND A BLANK JOURNAL OR NOTEBOOK TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
Write a letter to yourself on the 1st page explaining why you are embarking on this prayer journal journey. At the end of each month, reflect on your spiritual growth and progress. Create an ongoing prayer list whereby you continually pray for the needs of others. You can be as creative as you want to be and personalize it in your own special way. God created the world in a glorious multitude of colors with spectacular images so it is only proper that we praise Him in as creative fashion as we are capable of to celebrate His glory.
