Power of Prayer

I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time- waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God- it changes me.
-C.S. Lewis

There are a lot of things I don't understand about prayer. I don't understand it's affect in the spiritual realm. I don't know if telling God something He already knows can cause Him to change His mind. I've seen people miraculously healed through prayer. Sometimes when I pray it feels like I'm talking to the secretary. But there is one thing I have learned about prayer--and it's enough to keep me praying. Prayer changes me.

Prayer changes my focus. Throughout the week there is work, there is school, there are problems, there are distractions. We clean the house, feed the animals, balance the budget, fix the fence (for the thirteenth time), reply to some emails, write a paper....remember God? Setting aside time for prayer everyday returns my focus to what is important. Pray for Jerusalem. Pray for Israel. Pray that God's kingdom is established and that His Name is spread throughout the earth.

Prayer changes my attitude. The day doesn't go like I wanted it too. My plans are torn to shreds...again. Got hurt again; how to forgive? The situation is out of my control. Love? Patience? Faith? Praying to my Father allows me to unload my burdens and conform to His character. Let Him know how you are doing. Give it all to Him--your worries, your fears, your dreams, your burdens. Tell Him you'll trust Him. "I believe, help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). Pray for those who you harbor bitterness against. Pray about the situations out of your control. Pray in accordance with God's character--and slowly it will become your character.

Prayer changes my reality. When my focus is shifted to what is right and holy, and my attitude molded to match God's character--only then I can serve my Creator with all my heart, soul, and strength. Only then can I make a difference in this world for the Kingdom. I pray so that I may change--and when I change, my reality changes.
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Some Prayer tips:

• Find a quiet place. Distractions make it harder to pray.
• Set aside time to pray. If you don't set a time, you'll never get around to it (speaking from personal experience). If you have to, set an alarm to remind you. When it goes off, wrap up whatever you are doing and go spend time with God.
• Pray from the Psalms or the Siddur. It's easy to make our prayers self-centered. Praying the traditional prayers helps to guide our focus.
• Make it personal. Don't just recite a bunch of lines--take it to heart. And tell your Father what is going on in your life.
• Finally, remember who you are talking to. You are talking to the King of the universe, your Father who loves you.