How Do I Get To Know God Through Prayer

If we are not close to God as we were yesterday, who moved? A cute question, but also a practical one. They keyword is moved. We cannot shift into neutral in our relationship with Christ and coast through life. Each decision we make moves us closer to or farther from God and His perfect will for our lives. How can prayer move us forward?

We do not get to know a person without spending time with him or her, sharing in conversation, activities, even conflict or difficulties. God desires the same attention we give to other important relationships in our lives. Prayer is an opportunity to express ourselves to the Creator, with whom we are building a personal relationship.

Periodically I have the front wheels on my cars aligned. With good tires, the car would actually do fine without the extra expenses. But with the alignment, my car handles better and the tires last longer.

I like to think of prayer as a daily alignment. Without it we can roll through life and try hard to be a Christian examples. We can try to overcome difficult situations and feel good about our relationship God. But in the process we often feel slightly misdirected and maybe chewed up around the edges.

The answer to this tough question, then is do it? The expected and simple answer, yet we often neglect regular prayer. We miss the opportunity to tune in to God and get on the right track. We started the day without renewing our burden for others and offering our availability to God so that he can count on us if an opportunity to use arises.

The Bible encourages us to pray about everything. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6,7)

Prayer reduces anxiety in our Christian walk. We can see God work through us instead of feeling like the lone Christian taking on the universe. The question of knowing God implies knowledge about Him, but also feeling as if He is really there. Philippians 4:7 is tremendous reminder to us that spending time with God regular, specially including prayer, will bring God's peace. Note the snowball effect: those close to God get continually closer through an active prayer life. "Come near to God and he will come near to you" (James 4:8)

According to Philippians, His peace 'will guard' our hearts and minds. As we go about our daily business, our feelings and thoughts will be aligned with Christ's so we are able to please Him. Relying only on feelings is sure to cause us to be misaligned and sent on the wrong track. Regular prayer can 'guard' our feelings by keeping in balance with our minds, or what we know about God.

Need a prayer alignment? Commit yourself to a daily prayer life with specific requests and goals for your relationship with Christ. Write down special people and needs and pray faithfully for them.

- Trent Bushnell