I’ve had a miraculous couple of weeks. Everything that could go right did! In fact, it’s difficult to point to just one peak experience so I won’t even try. But what instigated this avalanche of blessings? The answer is simple: prayer.
I’m about as far as you could get from an ‘expert on prayer.’ In fact, for a long time, I thought of prayer as arduous work. Prayer was something I had to will myself to do; unless I was in trouble of course. Then, I would drop to my knees immediately, sending multiple desperate pleas to the heavens in the hopes that one of them would land on the right ears.
It’s no surprise then that I also associated prayer with unwanted calamities ÔÇô asking for things to be fixed after they had gone horribly wrong.
But if the truth be told, prayer doesn’t have to be hard work; and it doesn’t have to be long to be effective. Prayer also shouldn’t happen only in times of strife; remember it in good times too.
St. Augustine described prayer in this most powerful way: “The desire is thy prayers; and if thy desire is without ceasing, thy prayer will also be without ceasing. The continuance of your longing is the continuance of your prayer.” That means, while we can offer words of prayer, our desires are enough. When you think about it, why wouldn’t they be? God knows what lies in our hearts better than we do.
When we envision something in our minds we are, in effect, praying for it. That’s why it’s so important to think of only those things that we want. By holding steadily to a vision of what we want, no matter how long it takes to appear in our lives, we are ‘praying without ceasing;’ and through faith, it must appear!
We don’t need an important reason to pray. “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18). All that matters is that your prayer comes from the heart; and that it is offered with the expectation of receiving what you’re asking for.
I find that the simpler the prayer, the better. In fact, my miraculous few weeks were brought on by these short, but life-transforming prayers below.
The first is: “I want to know the fullness of who I really am. So guide me closer, in every step today, to a fuller recognition of what I have been asking for and who I really am.”
Many of us know that we possess great power within (“The kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21). Yet we have rarely experienced it. We also know that we’re created in the image of God; but we’re hardly aware of our Godly nature.
When you pray this simple prayer, you’re asking to be shown your power, and it is vast! You’re also asking to recognise those things that you’ve been asking for. When we ask, it is always given, but through a lack of faith, we don’t always recognise the answer when it’s right there. Pray this prayer whenever you remember; the results will blow you away.
The second prayer that transformed my life within a matter of days goes: “Bring me ideas. Help me to rendezvous with other like-minded people. Help me be aware of my power. Guide me to thoughts that are in harmony with my core desires. Bring me evidence of how this all works, in comfortable, humorous and delicious ways.”
When you’re in a rut; and don’t even know what you want, ask for ideas; and to meet the right people who think just like you; and who’re supportive of your efforts. Further, when you pray to be made aware of your power, your ability to create the life of your dreams will no longer be a mystery to you.
You become aware that your reality is preceded by your thoughts; and you’ll be inclined to keep your thoughts positive.
If being positive is not always easy for you, asking to be guided to thoughts that are in harmony with your core desires will provide you with the assistance you need. Finally, by asking for evidence of how this prayer works, you’re basically asking for tangible blessings to show up in your life. Repeat this prayer often for three to seven days and I defy you not to notice a positive difference in your life!
If you don’t like these prayers, make your own up! If you don’t know what to say, or how to pray, according to the Bible, the Holy Spirit will help you: “…The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit” (Romans 8:26-27).
The important thing is that your prayers should mean something to you; and that they should make you feel good. If you’re facing problems, focus on the solution; and practice the ‘feeling’ you would have when that solution has been provided.
In the moment that you pray, joyously expect the outcome that you want. Some of our most effective prayers are in thanksgiving for things that are yet to materialise in our lives. Why? Because “whatsoever you shall ask for in prayer, believing, you shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22)
Prayer is our way of communicating with God; and we have access to God from anywhere, at any time. All we need to do is have faith; and trust; and the manifestation of what we’re asking for will follow.
We are promised: “…You may ask any request you like, and it will be granted.” (John 15:7). What are you waiting for?
Make it a great week!
*Primrose Oteng is a Master of Applied Positive Psychology; and the Founder of the Positive Peace Project, an organization dedicated to creating positive change through personal empowerment. To find out more about our services, visist: positivepeaceproject.co.bw
