Prayer Secrets

How does prayer work? What’s the secret?

Perhaps the secret of prayer is in the words you say. Or maybe it’s praying in the right position--you know, with your eyes closed or open, kneeling or standing—is that it?

Others think it’s repeating the prayer enough times to show you mean it. Some suppose they have to shout to get God’s attention or light a candle in a church.

A majority of Americans believe in God and believe in prayer. Some say, “I pray all the time.” That’s good, but how do they know God is listening?

And what about answers? Some give up praying because God didn’t answer them.

Maybe it’s because they didn’t know the “secret” of prayer--the key to how it works.

Now hold on just a minute! This is getting complicated. Does prayer work or doesn’t it?

Prayer’s power is not in the methods or words we use. Nor is it in our physical posture, the size of our faith or the sincerity of our heart.

The power of prayer is the God of the Bible. He alone is the prayer answering God.

One benefit of the Bible is that it shows us how God answers prayer for ordinary people like you and me. And they were ordinary. It says that even the prophet Elijah “was a man just like us.” His prayers were not answered because of who he was but because of who God is.

OK, then how do you know he hears you and answers you? That’s the question!

Many people pray and see no results. The reason is because they have no relationship with God. For prayer to work there must be a relationship with him. That’s the key. Really.

Let me explain. Some children receive allowances. What if one child went to another’s father and asked for an allowance? What would happen? He would say, “Go see your own dad!”

And that’s why prayer works for some and not others. The Bible says that when you have a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, God is your Heavenly Father. You become his child. And God invites his children to come and ask for whatever they need.

Jesus said, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” God wants to answer the prayers of his children.

That brings us back to faith. The Bible says, “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

A relationship with God begins with faith. Faith that God loves you, that he is good and has your best interests at heart. Faith that when God says he will forgive your sin and make you his child—he will do it.

Where does faith come from? The Bible explains that faith is a gift from God. It comes from listening to God speak to you through the Bible and understanding that he’s talking to you.

Perhaps you would like to know how to have a personal relationship with God. If so, I recommend that you pick up a Bible and read the Gospel of John in the New Testament.

Just remember that the secret of prayer is not a secret. Power in prayer begins with a personal relationship with God. It’s that simple.

And what about answers to prayer? God always answers, but it may not be the answer we expect. Like any good parent, God doesn’t give us everything we want. Sometimes he says, “Yes.” But other times he may say “No,” “Wait a while” or even “You’ve got to be kidding!”

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Disney Dreams

Religious Christians and Jews once dreamed of pilgrimages to Jerusalem while Muslims dreamed of Mecca. Many still do. But in America today, people of all faiths dream of going to Disney. It’s the new “holy site” for modern pilgrims on vacation.

Two weeks ago I headed south for a family reunion and a visit to the Mouse’s house.

At Downtown Disney I saw little girls transformed into princesses before my very eyes. No, not by a fairy godmother but by parents with loads of cash! It seems every little girl’s wish is to be one of the many Disney princesses—and wishes come true for those with the money.

Everywhere we went we heard, “When you wish upon a star…your dreams come true.”

The World of Walt delights children of all ages. But I had to wonder if kids today know Walt’s fairy tales better than the Bible stories and lessons my generation learned.

Now hold on just a minute. Please don’t take me wrong! I enjoy a good vacation as much as anyone. And no one does theme parks better than the Mouse. So far I’ve been blessed to visit Disney theme parks in Florida, California and Japan. All were a lot of fun.

It’s just that, as I constantly heard about wishing and dreams, it started to sound hollow and empty. I mean, why would you want your children to believe in dreams based on wishing?

Think about this: Your weakest prayer is more powerful than your strongest wish.

Last time I checked, there’s no evidence that stars grant wishes or dreams come true if you’re sincere or wish hard enough. But there are studies confirming that prayer makes a difference. The reason is because the Awesome God of the Bible is a prayer answering God.

I’m a firm believer in teaching children to dream big. But I tell them to imagine what God could do through them if they will live for him and not for themselves.

Now while fantasy can be harmless, Disney dreams and “magic” seem to take a child in the direction of self-esteem, self-promotion and self-centeredness. Is it possible we have taken the “You are special” emphasis a little too far? To be well adjusted you must value others also.

The Bible teaches that when we become God’s child through faith in Jesus Christ, we are children of the King of Kings (a heavenly prince or princess, if you please!). We learn that God has a purpose for our lives. He gives us talents and gifts—not so that we might be a “star” but so that we can serve him! The Bible says we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”

Serving God is the only way you can make an impact on this world with eternal results.

If you’re taking your family to a Disney vacation destination this year, I hope you will have a wonderful time. But don’t forget to do a “reality check” with your children. And while you’re introducing them to the Mouse and his friends, don’t forget to introduce them to Jesus before they get too old. Make sure they understand the difference between pretend friends and Jesus, the best friend you will ever have. He promises to be with us always.

Vacations and theme parks can distract us for a while from the problems of life. But the relief is just temporary. There’s an old gospel song that reminds us, “Only Jesus can satisfy your soul; only he can change your heart and make you whole. He’ll give you peace you never knew, sweet love and joy and Heaven too—For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.”

Do you need a fresh start in life? A vacation can change your location, but Jesus can change your life. The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” When you turn to Jesus, life takes on a whole new meaning.

Listen to the Bible; it’s good for your soul!