Trust Jesus More?

Can we get to trust someone more without talking with Him? We can only trust Jesus as much as we know and Love Him. We get to know God, to seek His face through reading and meditating on His Word and through prayer. Personally, prayer has always been one of my weak spots. Somewhat like a grocery list. Usually getting tired during my prayer life, rather dull. I have grown much more lately in my prayer life through considering these elements presented in a book by Tim Keller called Prayer. Please let me share an excerpt from His Book. It helped me and I pray that it will help you as well.

What is Prayer? 1. It is Work, not a work of drudgery but never-the-less we need to set aside time each day for Prayer and meditation. 2. It is Word, we are communicating with God, The Word. 3. It is Balance. The acronym ACTS, Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication provides many of the parts to our prayer which are usually missing.

What does it require? 1. Grace. We approach God on the basis of God's grace and mercy, not on the basis of our self-worthiness (which is evidence of Pride). 2. Fear, a reverential love in awe of the majesty of our Savior and God. 3. Helplessness. We do not come into the presence of God based on any works we have done (Also Pride).

What does it give? 1. Perspective - Prayer reorients your view toward God. That God is a loving God, who loves you just as you are. 2. Strength. As you enter into prayer He gives us strength, healing and rest in His presence. 3. Spiritual Reality. We are entering to the very presence of our Savior and our God.

Where does it take us? 1. Self-knowledge. God knows every thought and the next word that will come out of our mouths. We can confess to Him who we really are, in repentance and honesty with our God. 2. Trust. Prayer creates a reverent trust and confident hope. 3. Surrender. Prayer creates surrender of our whole lives to God.

In addition I find it very helpful to meditate on a different psalm each day during my prayer life. Prayer and meditation can supercharge your relationship and trust in Jesus more each day.

Remember this date: Monday, Sept 21, we will be meeting at the Red Gate at the Puyallup State Fair Grounds for our Free T-Shirt Giveaway. See you then. Terri and Bill Valley