What does my prayer DO?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. (Psalm 18:19)

Whether you pray for 10 or 15 minutes all in one shot, or pray one-liners throughout the day – do you sometimes wonder … what does it do?

Did it ever dawn on you that prayer, any prayer, delights the Lord your God? One little whisper of thanks, one little whimper for help – and the Lord smiles and delights that you have turned to Him. Think about that for a moment. EVERY prayer you breathe, brings pleasure to the Lord. Oh my …

It is in your humbled state, in your very weakness – in your turning to God … that brings Him joy. He is most happy to listen and hear whatever you have to say. And He wants you to be assured of His love and care. God hears. God will answer. And delights in doing so.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Ephesians 6:18) Any kind of prayer. Any and all requests are welcome.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) It’s okay to take every kind of worry to the Lord.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18) Any time. Any place. God is waiting to hear from you.

 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. (James 5:13) In good times and bad, it is always alright to pray to the Lord.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer,(1 Peter 3:12) He is watching. He is waiting. To hear from you.

The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. (Revelation 8:4) This verse reminds us that there is an active, alive spiritual realm at work. You are not alone in your concerns.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26) See how great our God is, providing for us even when we can’t find the words to pray!

Some closing thoughts on the Lord’s delight:

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,

    nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;

 the Lord delights in those who fear him,
    who put their hope in his unfailing love. (Psalm 147:10-11)

God bless your day! As you bless Him with your prayers!