Week 2 Day 3
Sharing your thoughts
READ IT
1 John 5:14-15, 1 Thessalonians 5:7, Psalm 37:4
THINK ABOUT IT
On day 2 the ‘Listening’ study we looked at how God will speak to us through prayer. Prayer is a two-way communication between you and God. It is you talking to God and God talking to you. Prayer or ‘sharing your thoughts’ with God is essential to walking with Him.
Two things we can know about prayer, God hears and God answers. When you talk to someone you want to know they are hearing you and will respond to what you are saying. God stands ready to hear and answer you when you talk to him. This gives us great hope!
Sharing your thoughts with God is simply telling God what you think. But I thought God already knew my thoughts so why should I tell him? Because God is His wisdom decided the method He would use for moving in our life was prayer, our asking and telling Him. God has brought us in on the process. So prayer is key for God to work in your life.
DWELL ON IT
Take some time to read the verses listed above. Don’t just read them once. Read them a few times each. Look over these keys for prayer:
Be Honest – God already knows your thoughts and he is not afraid of them. Honesty will put you in a better place to hear God’s responses to your prayers.
Pray always – Prayer does not have to be designated to a certain place
and time. You can pray anytime and anywhere.
(Pray continually. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
Stay focused – Prayer takes some concentration.
Don’t just ASK – God wants to hear your request, but this is not all of prayer. TELL God some things. TELL Him about what you are thankful to Him about. TELL God what he means to you. Offer thankfulness and adoration to God.
Seek Forgiveness – Go to God to seek forgiveness. We all fall short of His expectations at times. Acknowledge the areas you fall short and admit they are wrong. Ask for God’s forgiveness.
PRAY ABOUT IT.
Spend some time in prayer now. Here is a great guide to your prayers: A.C.T.S.
Adoration – Acknowledge God for who He is. This is praise.
Confession – Acknowledge the wrong in our life and asking God’s forgiveness.
Thanksgiving – Acknowledge the what God has done in your life and say thank you for it.
Supplication - Acknowledge your needs and share them with God asking Him to answer.
Prayer will bring intimacy to your relationship with Jesus. Make it a priority.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
– Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
written by Lee Floyd Baptist Student Ministry Director @ Angelo State University