Charles F. Stanley - The Gift of Prayer

Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:3

That is the awe-inspiring honor you have through the gift of prayer.

You have been beckoned to engage in an intimate dialogue with the One who not only holds the whole universe in His hand but who cares about you most and best knows your inner workings and potential. You have the unique opportunity to ask the Lord of all that exists to guide you in the steps you take, deliver you in the areas where you cannot help yourself, and answer all that confounds you. Even better, you get to know Him.

Naturally, you may have doubts about thisnot only that a conversation with the God of the universe is possible but that you have an open invitation as His child. Perhaps you would say that you pray but are not really sure He hears or will answer you. You hope so, of course, but may not have total confidence that He will respond or that you are worthy of His attention. Is the Creator of heaven and earth really that available to you? That willing to hear and help you?

Friend, God never intended for you to approach Him with a hope so attitude. He wants you to know for certain that your good, loving, and powerful heavenly Father is always available to listen to your cries and respond to your prayers. As He promises in Jeremiah 33:3, Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

Your loving God desires to communicate with you. I can say this for certain because Ive experienced a deeply personal relationship with Him through prayer. I am constantly amazed at the insights and principles the Father shows me in His Word during periods of quiet, prayerful meditation. When Ive had to face painful trials, His loving comfort and guidance have helped me emerge triumphant and stronger in spirit rather than defeated and weaker. And I can only attribute anything productive or effective in my ministry to His wisdom and power.

He has been a constant Helper, a faithful Friend, a victorious Defender, a wise Leader, and a great Redeemer to me, and He can be all of that to you too. You can experience God as deeply and intimately as I have.

Is that what you desire: deep insight and understanding? Comfort and guidance that help you triumph in your trials? Wisdom and power that lead you to success in life? These are the rewards of vibrant, steadfast, continuing fellowship with God. The best part is that you dont need anything extra to enjoy His love and wisdomjust an open heart that hungers to really know Him.

Y ou have been beckoned to engage in an intimate dialogue with the One who not only holds the whole universe in His hand but who cares about you.

G od has been a constant Helper, a faithful Friend, a victorious Defender, a wise Leader, and a great Redeemer to me, and He can be all of that to you too.

The Lord longs for you to receive and use this gift of prayer every day of your life. In fact, your God wanted it so much, He paid the price so you could have it.

You see, though this honor to approach His throne is free to us, it was very costly to Him. We are all separated from Him because of our sinfulness (Romans 3:23)those very mistakes, flaws, weaknesses, and sins that make us feel unworthy of His presence. But that is why Jesus came to forgive our sins (2 Corinthians 5:1721). Through His death on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty of our sin and restored our ability to have an eternal, everlasting relationship with the Father. He gave us the ability to pray and have the deepest cries of our hearts heard by the God who can help us.