By Ida Kiruba
Have a little talk with Jesus
Tell Him all about our troubles
Hear our fainted cry
He will answer by and by
Feel a little prayer wheel turning
Know a little fire is burning
Find a little talk with Jesus
Makes it right
THIS is one of my all-time favorite songs. It’s very true that when you have a little talk with Jesus, it always makes things right. But, what we need to find out is if our talk (our prayer that is) is right. Is there a right way to pray? Is there a right time to pray? Do you believe in prayer? I asked these questions to some of my young friends. Check out their response below:
Derek (12)
Prayer is talking to God and God responding to us. It is like talking to our mom or dad. Before we ask something to our parents, I think we should ask God first. I pray regularly every day but sometimes when we travel during holidays or when I am tried I sleep off. So, I miss my prayer time. Usually I pray in the morning, in the night, before and after an exam to get good marks. The longest time I have prayed is for half an hour. I prayed continuously for two years to have a sister and God gave me one little sister. I pray for my sister, parents, ministers, missionaries, pastors, preachers and for an uncle and aunt who do not have children. I have prayed with a non- Christian friend of mine who is studying in my school. His father has recently accepted Jesus. I told my friend about God’s creation and miracles and prayed with him. Now, he has also accepted Jesus.
Bryan (15)
I believe prayer is having a personal talk with God. It is a thank offering to God for all the good things He has done for me. Usually I pray when I wake up in the morning. But, if I wake up late then I miss my morning prayer. In the night I pray alone or with my family. I usually miss my prayer time because I get tired and sometimes I forget. I pray for myself, my family, my friends and as well as my teachers. Sometimes I even pray that I should not get caught in the class, if I do any mischief. I pray a lot during exams that God will help me to remember all that I have learnt. I pray in my Sunday school with my friends but so far I have not prayed with my non- Christian friends, but I do pray for them.
Rebecca (16)
Prayer, according to me, is talking with God. Usually, I start my day with prayer. I don’t have a specific time. I pray for holiness, health, strength, wisdom and guidance. Many of my prayers were answered. Sometimes, prayers go unanswered. But, always it has turned out to be good. I usually pray for myself, my family, teachers and the people who are close to me. I have also prayed with my non-Christian friends. They always ask me to pray, when they are in any need. My friends do believe that Jesus can do greater things than their gods. The longest time I have prayed is for an hour.
Jeba (24)
Prayer is the special fuel that keeps my engine running, when I have to go through the hard paths. Prayer renews and revives reminding me that I have an Almighty Friend and Father who is in charge and control of my life .The moment I pray it reminds me of the sweet fellowship I have with Him and the truth that I am not alone and that gives me a new hope and strength which can’t be put out easily. Though I desire to pray every day, I fail on certain days when I get really tired. Usually I pray for almost 45 minutes and then I make sure I talk to Him whenever I feel like. I let Him know my need as and when it pops in my heart and mind. I plead with Him to give me the strength and the grace to do His will. I ask Him to shape my life into His likeness. I also thank Him for His salvation and His rich blessings and goodness in my life. I also pray for my parents, grandparents, friends, relatives for their spiritual growth and the worldly well-being. I specially pray for those friends of mine who haven’t tasted the Lord.
OUR friends have listed down their views and understanding about prayer and what it personally means to them. Prayer definitely has an important place in all our lives. According to me, prayer is God’s appointed way of communicating with Him. The most important business of Christian lives is prayer. We as Christians might differ from each other in many ways but in prayer we all need to be alike.
The Lord Jesus Himself set an example and showed us the importance of prayer. In the earthly life of our Lord, prayer occupied a very prominent place and played a pivotal role. In Mark 1:35 we read, ‘And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place and there prayed’. Turn again to Luke 6:12, it says,’ And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God’. Also, prayer plays the most important part in the ministry of our risen Lord. In Hebrews 7:25 we read, “wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them’. It is by His prayers He is saving the mankind. The ministry of intercession is glorious and mighty and we should all have a part in it.
There are certain characteristics of prayer that every child of God needs to exercise in their lives.
1. Prayer is a bridge – It acts as a bridge to close the gap between us and the Lord. It helps to carry us over the river of trials.
2. Prayer is a tool – It is used for doing powerful works. It depends on the one who uses it.
3. Prayer is a treasure – It is something very valuable and you cannot trade that with something else. You should never lose it.
4. Prayer is a force – It has the strength or power that can be felt and by using it, you can achieve great things. It definitely leaves a mark on what it is used.
5. Prayer is a secret – It is the secret which every child of God has. It is unknown to others or hidden from others but for us it is our secret strength.
6. Prayer is a practice – It is a predominant habit which each of us should have. Through repeated practice you learn to do it more and well.
7. Prayer is a hope – It gives us hope to want something to happen and have a reason to believe that things will be alright.
8. Prayer is a process – It is the way in which we do certain things to knock at heaven’s door. We learn the process of prayer and make it happen in our day-to-day living.
9. Prayer is a power – It gives us the authority or control over situations in our lives. With this power of prayer we can influence the environment around us.
10. Prayer is a weapon – It is used for one’s own defense against the negative events in our lives. Also we can use this weapon to attack the evil.
So, make prayer an indispensible part of your everyday life. Never forget to have a little talk with Jesus and he will definitely make everything right. Pray without ceasing. The Christian Messenger
