Though I still don’t hear from Him as often as I would like, our communication is getting stronger. Three months ago, I was filled with the Holy Spirit and have been speaking in tongues ever since. It’s such a weird thing to do, as I have no idea what I’m saying, and still get a bit embarrassed when I speak it around others.
For years, I had been praying that God would give me the gift of tongues, but it never happened. I realize now that my heart wasn’t in the right place and I wasn’t truly ready to seek Him, like I am now.
When the day finally came, it was almost as if I was just coming up with crazy, meaningless, words, but it was the real deal. Now, whenever I am praying for people in my War Corner, I speak in tongues as a way of interceding for them.
Some of you might be wondering what I’m talking about when I say War Corner, so let me explain. My War Corner is a little corner hidden behind my closet that I created for the sole purpose of studying the Word, praying, and listening to what God has to say to me. I got the idea after watching the movie War Room with my family. It was such a great idea, as I used to be easily distracted when I tried to focus on God. Now, I face a wall, which I have stuck with post-it notes containing the names of people I’m praying for, and am far less distracted.
It’s also amazing to feel the Lord’s presence. I get all tingly inside, and there’s a sort of heaviness that comes over me. At those times, all I want to do is sing for Him (even though I can’t), or just pray even more. I can’t wait for the day when I can clearly hear His voice and have it be familiar to me, while being in His presence! I think that’s going to be a goal of mine this upcoming year, to hear His voice clearly and recognize that it’s Him talking to me.
During my study on prayer this week, I found most of the scriptures I read eye-opening. It’s really helped me understand what we are to do when we pray, the benefits of it, and how God uses our prayers.
When I pray, I always feel like I have to pray for others first, or more, because I don’t want to be selfish. I feel bad asking God for lots of things, because I know there are other people with more desperate needs than mine. Thankfully, I’m finally understanding that God knows all the things that are in my heart and when the right time is to answer them. I’m also trying to not blab as much, so I can hear what He has to say to me.
Matthew 6:5-8, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
There are so many benefits to prayer. We are called to pray when we are in distress, sick, struggling with life, or wanting to hear from God. But, prayer isn’t just about ourselves, we need to also intercede for others and lift their names up to God. Miracles are real and can happen when we have the right heart and are in God’s will.
It’s amazing how praying can lift your Spirits and help your day get better. God is awesome when He works like that. I pray every morning, before I do my school work, that God would take away all distractions and sleepiness away so I can accomplish what I need to, and He does!
Psalm 4:1, “Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” Proverbs 15:8, “The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.” Matthew 21:22, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” James 5:15, “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
Prayer is a tool used by God to reveal Himself and His magnificence. If the time and purpose is right, He won’t miss an opportunity to show others who He is and that He is alive! It is so exciting to think that I am someone whose prayers are heard and when answered, can influence other people’s lives. I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for me as I grow in my walk with Him and become the prayer warrior He has called me to be. I encourage you all to pray constantly and to meditate in His presence so you can hear all the amazing things God has planned for us to achieve next!