Philippians 4:6-7 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
What is prayer?
I consider it to be an ongoing conversation with God. It is not something we do a few times per day such as at mealtimes or bedtime or when we really need something.
This is what God wants. He does not want an on again off again type of relationship, but one that lasts forever. This can only occur through some type of communication.
It does not matter if you are mad at God, feel betrayed by God, because you are going through hard times, or because everything in your life is going great, God still wants a relationship with you. This is what “Pray About Everything” means.
Before we do something, we should consult with God. If we did something without consulting Him first, then we should talk to Him as soon as possible. We should talk to Him when we are feeling great and when we are down in the dumps. We should talk to Him when we do not understand something and even if we are considered an expert. We should talk to Him when everything is going great or when we feel like the world is collapsing in on us. We should be praying to God because this is what God wants, not what we want.
When do you pray to God and why? Is it for selfish or selfless reasons? Is it because you love the Lord or for personal gain? While God does want us to pray to Him about everything, that does not mean He will always say yes. Be prepared for a lot of noes or maybes.
I know I do not pray like I should. I usually pray when things are going south in a hurry, but that is just being selfish. I need to learn to pray when things are going great.