Prayer is Never a Waste

Have you ever prayed for something or someone and felt like your prayers fell dead?

Perhaps your prayers felt like they were never answered.
Perhaps you saw little to no change in the circumstance or person.
Perhaps you felt discouraged to pray again.
Perhaps you felt like your prayers were just a waste of time and energy.

When we think about prayer, we can’t just think about it as if it were a financial transaction. I spend = I get. I pray = I receive … and now!

Prayer is much more than that. Prayer is the means God established for us to commune and connect with Him.

Prayer is never a waste.

It chases the heart of God, changes the hearts of men, and challenges our priorities.

• Prayer chases the heart of God.

When we pray, we pursue God’s purposes. We humble ourselves and say, “God, here we are. God, please move in this situation. God, have Your way.” The act of prayer puts running shoes on our feet and sets us into action with God’s heart. Praying people chase the heart of God!

• Prayer changes the hearts of men.

Sometimes we pray because we want to see other people’s hearts changed, and that is good and proper, lining up with God’s desires. However, in the process, our own hearts are changed as well. Prayer changes the hearts of those who are prayed for, in addition to the hearts of those who pray. Even though it may take a while for us to see someone else’s heart change, our own hearts can be conformed and transformed in an instant when we avail ourselves to prayer. All the more, our hearts are changed long term as he fashions us into His image.

• Prayer challenges our priorities.

Life is full and busy, and it can be easy to get caught up with the activity of life, leaving the precious gift of prayer in the background. Choosing to pray tells the rest of our lives that God and His kingdom are important.

But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Prayer helps us to keep our priorities straight, seeking first God and His will for our lives. Prayer helps us to embrace the things in our lives that are good and meaningful and get rid of the fluff that exists.

If you have felt discouraged about your prayer life,
lay your discouragement aside and pursue God.

Chase his heart. Be changed. Be challenged.

Prayer is never a waste.

It chases the heart of God, changes the hearts of men, and challenges our priorities.