Prayer provides strength. And isn’t strength what we all really need as we face challenges and questions?
Strength to move forward, strength to meet the challenge, strength to persevere, strength to overcome, strength to stand our ground, strength to…
As good as venting can feel, it doesn’t provide anything long term.
Sure, you’ll get a bit of solidarity (or pushback). A “vent” on social media is there in the moment and then slides away in the feed. What about a “vent” in person with friends? It’ll get you a hug or a sympathetic look or word, but after it’s over, everyone just searches for something else to talk about…
Now, prayer.
Prayer provides strength.
For those who have uncovered the joy of praying, any and every challenge (your own or others) has the potential for building long-term strength.
Why?
Because unlike a “vent”, answered prayer unfolds into a long, long, stretch of experience that builds confidence. Prayer provides strength.
Your efforts in prayer don’t just disappear. Those efforts remain as an experience of tapping into the power that originates and flows from the Creator, the One who loves you.
Is prayer easy? Sometimes. Not always. Prayer can be work. However, the effort to pray for something for a very long time, regardless, is sweeter and more satisfying than anything else.
Prayer = Strength
Put your energy into prayer.
Want more encouragement to pray? Read this.
And if you’re wondering about God being silent when you’ve been praying for a long time, then consider these words from Oswald Chambers when Jesus didn’t show up to heal Lazarus. Rob and I have been praying for what feels like a long time, and hearing silence. But His silence hasn’t been what we thought…
I grew up religious though I no longer practice a religion and of course Prayer was a big part of that. I’ve had great experiences with prayer but got away from it in my 30’s. I’ve been thinking about starting to pray regularly again and this has been another nudge in that direction. Thank you!
Thank you for stopping in, Jyll. Prayer is one of those silent, personal activities that doesn’t get a lot of notice in this age of blogging and posting etc. yet has a huge positive impact. (Obviously, I’m biased 😉 ) I’m thankful if my little post has provided a nudge in a direction you’ve been prompted toward… 🙂
Excellent post, Lori! Prayer should be a priority. I do have a prayer journal and write in red pen when I have had a prayer answered. The journal reminds me not to forget others. Thanks for this reminder!
Amy
Beautiful piece ♥️♥️♥️