What guarantees a successful prayer life- 3
“Think about these things”- Philippians 4:8
We all have thoughts running through our minds. These thoughts are either caused by the circumstances around us or by what we would want to see in the future. Someone may be thinking about the new job they got and someone else may be thinking about a wedding that is coming soon. Whether it is something that took place or will take place, we can all agree that thoughts run through our minds as we plan and expect the best out of all our desires.
God has invited us to pray. As we link up with Him in prayer, we get to petition or present our requests in total trust that He is more than able to bring them to pass. God’s Word helps us to know what God’s will is. This means that as we fellowship with Him in prayer, we are only asking Him what is in line with His Word. It is important to find out what God’s Word says about a particular request so that you will be informed before presenting it to your Father.
After making your requests known to God, begin to thank and praise God for the answer. Philippians 4:6 (ESV) says, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”. When you pray the prayer of faith believe that you have received. Instead of asking God over and over again for the same request, praise and thank Him that you have the answer to your prayer.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) says, “for we walk by faith, not by sight”. This means that thanksgiving is not determined by the physical manifestation of the request but by the confidence we have in God that He has already responded to our needs. This means that God’s Word informs our thanksgiving.
Maintaining an attitude of faith requires the right kind of thinking. Our thoughts control our actions. You can never act without thinking. This is why it is important to take charge of your thoughts. You need to guide your thoughts through God’s Word. In Romans 12:2 (ESV) it is written, “Do not be conformed to this world,[3] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”. A renewed mind by God’s Word understands that which is good and acceptable and perfect will of God. A renewed mind thinks and leads to act as God would.
Therefore, it is important to think right even as we take time to pray and fellowship with God. It is not just praying, but maintaining the right attitude through and after prayer. This is seen clearly in Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV) that says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (9) What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me–practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you”.
Blessings