QUICK JUMP
Several of my friends have been asking me lately about my prayer life. Somehow, just by my living my life, they see how important and precious prayer is to me and my faith.
In my relationship with Christ, prayer is THE most important thing in my life. Through every trial, because I’m in such deep prayer, I see the hand of God working. It’s like He pulls back the curtain and allows me to peer into His world and the things He’s doing in mine.
I have to tell you, it’s the coolest thing in the world.
That moment when you see His hand. You’re in great mouth-dropping awe and at the same time, you’re scared, knowing how truly powerful He is. You’re humbled, realizing that you have absolutely no control in your life. Because yes, there’s human will and yes, we can rebel, but if God wants you to do something, He’s only going to let you rebel for so long. While human will exists, He’s also in complete sovereign control the entire time and yes, this is even for unbelievers.
I’ve seen His hand lately in the life of unbelievers and those unsaved. I’ve seen Him use them to accomplish His will. And seeing all of this, makes me all the more fervent in my prayer life. It’s this tenacious hunger to see the Lord and His hand more and more. Seeing His power, His goodness, His love.
How to Instantly Transform Your Prayer Life
There is nothing greater, in my opinion, than seeing God work in a situation and I’m not talking about just seeing one thing happen, but being involved from day 1 in HIS will. Obeying Him every single day for the tasks that He shows you to do, the roads He shows you to take, the actions He leads you to do. In the past three months, I have never been closer to my Lord than in my whole life, and I can tell you that it’s not JUST prayer that does that. It’s not JUST studying the Word or reading my Bible. It’s also acting in obedience….every single day.
Every day for the past three months, He’s shown me to do something. Sometimes it’s small. Sometimes it’s rather big. Sometimes I doubt. Sometimes I argue. Sometimes I don’t obey with a right heart, but rather obey because I feel compelled to…not because I WANT to. But irregardless of my humanistic sin nature, as best as I possibly can, I’ve been obeying Him. And the more I listen to Him and deepen my prayers and then obey what He shows me to do, the closer to Him I become. The more He shows me, the more He pulls back that curtain and let’s me see His world….His plans!
This is how our walks with Christ should be always. Not just when we’re in a trial, but every day of our lives. Walking with our great and glorious God. Following Him wherever He leads.
It’s the most beautiful picture you can ever hope to see in this life. I have learned so much about God in these past three months. I’ve seen His power and have been afraid. I’ve seen His love and do not doubt His good will toward me. I’ve seen His sovereignty- that He WILL work everything out according to His will and the good of all Christians involved in certain situations. I’m truly humbled by His redemptive work in my life and in the life of others surrounding me.
But how do we get to the point in our relationship where we can have that…where we can see all of this?
The first step is prayer.
On 1/28/2013, I started a thankful/prayer journal. I had heard in a sermon by John MacArthur, a story about how he knew a man who would keep a notebook and go around at church asking everyone how he could pray for them. Each week, he’d follow up with them on their unique prayers and he’d write it all down as they spoke. So that every week, he’d cross out the prayers that were answered and add new ones in.
Over time, that simple act, not only changed the man’s life, but everyone in whom he was asking.
In deciding to start my own thankful/prayer journal, I started simply. I didn’t do it in front of man, it was more of a private thing, just between me and the Lord. I bought a journal and on the top half of the page, I wrote the things I can be thankful of. On the bottom half of the page, I wrote down my prayer requests.
What I noticed is that my prayer requests ALWAYS outnumber my thankful list. The things that are important to me are more selfish, than thanksgiving.
This was the first effective lesson I learned in keeping a journal. So, I decided that I would START with my thankful list first and write down 5 a day BEFORE I could even BEGIN my prayer list.
Some days, my heart was bitter and angry. I didn’t want to be thankful. Some days, the thanksgiving flew out of me quickly. But after being consistent, I started becoming a much more thankful person. And I realized that even in trials, there’s still always many things to be thankful for.
Some of the things I would write down were:
- Salvation – I can be glad I’m saved, that God chose ME out of the billions of people on Earth to have a relationship with.
- Having a Biblical church to go to – I’ve traveled a LOT and have lived in MANY places and I can tell you, that the amount of truly Biblical, solid theological churches today are few and far between. While there are churches on every corner it seems, many of them are preaching a gospel contrary to God’s Word.
- Physical needs provided – I have a beautiful home, food in my fridge, even a freezer full in the garage and a second pantry full of food. I have a rather large closet with way too many clothes in it (I’m obsessed with jackets and have over 20 of them!). Truly, I am blessed.
- Good friends – I have a few very close friends that truly love me and I can count on to not run away when the tough gets going.
Many times, the thankful things were more personal. An entry I wrote on 2/12/13 says that nothing bad has happened in 8 days. When you’re in the midst of a trial, you get to know the bad days REAL good! So, when a day goes by where there are no attacks from Satan, it’s a good day. I was thankful that I didn’t have any attacks in 8 days!
Or when my old car’s ignition went out an an incredibly awesome man in the church, fixed it for me. Those are the kinds of things you remember as a single mom. Those are the kinds of people you pray for often. One day, if God should ever allow me the beauty of being married again, I pray that my husband will be one of those men that go around helping and fixing things for single moms and the elderly. Because there are true needs there and it’s such a blessing to both parties in the situation!
As time went on, I kept doing just as that man had done, crossing off prayers that were answered. By keeping record, I discovered something TRULY amazing.
God answers every SINGLE ONE of our prayers! Did you know that?!?!?!
Every prayer I’ve prayed has been answered in some way over the years. Some have taken longer to answer. Some answers were no. Some where yes. Some were instant. Some were wait. But every single prayer I’ve written down has been answered with the exception of one…
For the past 6 years or so, I’ve been praying to move back to Oregon. I thoroughly miss it there. I would move back in a heartbeat if given the opportunity, but thus far, God has said no. And while it hurts,and my heart is IN Oregon, I know I’m right where He wants me to be…but I still pray, one day I can move back! 🙂 You just never know…
Listen guys, God listens to us. He cares about us. The things that are important to US, the things that seem so insignificant and even silly, are important to him! Why? Because He genuinely loves us.
I think that it’s also very important to note at this point, that we should be very CAREFUL about our prayers! Knowing that He does answer them and sometimes He will give us exactly what we ask, it doesn’t always turn out to be the best and we regret it. That has happened a couple times with me and so now, I’m very careful in my prayers and I’m very specific.
For example, when I ask God for a future husband, I get REAL specific. Down to personal preferences like I don’t want him to be a hairy guy. I don’t like beards, mustaches, hairy backs, etc. And I’m really not a fan of muscles (I know, weird right). It may seem extremely silly, right, but when you get your prayer answered in something and you wish you could have gone back and changed up the prayer a little bit, beginners will learn REAL QUICK to start praying more detailed and specifically! Trust me on that! BE SPECIFIC! Not in the way that God is some magic genie granting wishes, don’t get me wrong, but that the things that are important to you, you should pray about them.
Your prayer life is your lifeline with God. We are at a point in history where we have access to the Holy Spirit inside of us who intercedes on our behalf, praying for the things we don’t know to pray for, but ought to. And while this is a huge blessing, we mustn’t take it for granted either.
I think one of the biggest things that changed my prayer life and really opened my eyes was during another sermon.
Let’s imagine you have a best friend and they happen to be staying with you for one week at your home. During that week, you rarely talk to them at all. You just do your own thing and ignore them much of the time. How long do you think you’d be friends with them?
Not long, right?!
It’s the same with God. He IS living with us, in our hearts. If we never talk to Him, listen to Him, or cultivate that relationship, it’s doomed. Then when we want something from him, we go to Him and pray, “Lord, help me out of this situation,” and it’s almost like He says, “Huh, you talking to me?”
We can’t do that. He is our BEST FRIEND. Treat Him like a best friend. You can’t get enough time with your best friend. You’re there with them through thick and thin. You listen. You care. You talk to them about deep things. You share. You trust. You get to know them and let them get to know you. There’s no guard there with a best friend. You feel safe enough to tell them anything and them not to run away for the hills. Talk to God in the same way. All day, every day, about everything.
Do this for a few months and tell me if your relationship with God is not exploding with passion.
Because remember, you spend your time and money on what’s important to you. Do you spend your time with God? Is He REALLY all that important to you? I encourage you today to treat God like your best friend…because if you’re truly saved…He is!
Jessica Ross says
I agree 100% that prayer can change lives. I feel I have a strong prayer life, but there is always room to grow. Keeping a prayer journal is a great idea. It would help strengthen my faith by seeing even my littles prayers get answered. I really enjoy your posts. I like that I can trust what you say. There are so many “Christians” out there and it can be hard to tell the real ones from the fakes sometimes. I have only been following you for a short while, but you are truly a woman of God and I am glad I found your blog 🙂 God Bless!!!
Sarah Titus says
Thank you Jessica. I consider this to be the highest compliment I can ever receive this side of Heaven….to be counted worthy to be called a TRUE woman of God. Sadly, you are 100% correct to say there are many fakes out there. Some deceived by themselves, some purposely deceiving others. We must always guard our minds and be like the Bereans, testing what others say against the Word of God.
Natalie says
Thank you Sarah! Your Blogging Ministry continues to be a blessing to me! Thank you for letting God use you to inspire us – especially those of us who get weary and doubt from time to time.
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely Natalie. We all doubt and get weary. You’re not alone. Praying for your strength! <3
Fiona says
Hi Sarah!
You did it again! Made me cry…I want to stay home and minister to those God brings to me, but because of finances and wanting to take the strain off my darling Husband, I went for an interview. The interview went well but they did not call me back, in fact they did not call at all, and left me hanging. We are in financial trouble and I was angry at God and so disappointed and felt worthless…all lies of the enemy, I know, and boy, do I feel ashamed. To make it doubly clear, my Bible reading is Isaiah 7 vs 9 – all about trusting in God and then WHAM! your fantastic post. Thank you for writing it and thank You God for not giving up on me…
Sarah Titus says
Glad that God is showing you to trust Him and that you’re not worthless. <3 You're right, He doesn't give up on us. I'll check out the Isaiah passage this evening! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Ann says
What an awesome and important post! It really spoke to me. I’ve been strengthening my prayer life this year, and I think adding the journal will be the perfect addition. I started one when the movie “The Help” came out a few years ago (the main character had a prayer book), but I got lazy and stopped doing it. Thanks for sharing this very helpful, life-changing formation!!
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely Ann. Definitely keep it up. The more you do it, the more you’ll see your prayer life transform. It’s really been monumental for me. <3
Betty Leonard says
My Heavenly Father is my best friend and he has answered my prayers too, many times! He saved my son from dying of stage 4 Lymphoma, he saved me from nearly dying from a brain tumor. He put me back in touch with the man of my dreams. We have been married 28 years and he loves God and Jesus too! I was homeless, jobless, hungry and lost but God saved me and helped me through all of that! I enjoyed your story and can relate to all of it. Your journal is something I should do too! Thank you for the great idea!
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely Betty. That is a great story. Thank you for sharing it with us. <3
Kathy Zeigler says
Sarah, I am in love with your blog and the information you share with your readers.
You have an amazing talent. I am just getting my feet wet with blogging and it seems overwhelming to me, and I am researching and learning with hopes when I retire in a few years from a government job, that I can supplement my income with blogging.
Your story is so inspirational and encouraging. Thank you sweetie for sharing.
Sarah Titus says
So glad you like it Kathy. Your link to your website, didn’t come out when I clicked it, so you may want to leave another comment so I can check it out. 🙂
Bridgette says
I was feeling down. My heart was heavy. I got a chance today to read your blog and was inspired by it. What a powerful message! It’s true what you said about prayers. They’re powerful! I believe in the power of prayer. I want to thank you for keeping God on your blog and not listening to those who have told you to scale back. You have your priorities in order. That’s the problem with the world today they try to take God out of everything. I went to a Catholic and public school. I remember that before we started each day we would bow our heads and say our prayers. I tell my younger students at religion class that saying your prayers is talking to God.
Sarah Titus says
Bridgette, I’m sorry you were feeling down and am so glad that you found encouragement on the blog. That’s my job! 🙂 <3
Junko C. says
Sarah, I am so thankful to God for guiding me to your blog! So far I read about 20 posts on your blog and my reading journey will continue.
I am a single mom and sometimes I face some difficulties or impossible situations in the world I see with my eyes. But prayer brings me hope, comfort, peace, and guidance. It is truly a way to communicate with my heavenly Father! I am so glad we have same Father! 🙂 I know I have Victory in Jesus! Because the bible says so. And He is a good father.
I am blessed to have a biblical church. I am glad you mentioned that. It is very very important. Our pastor speaks straight from the bible. The depth of His words and love amaze me every day more and more. Addition to that, our Pastor is finding more common words and culture in Hebrew and Japanese! It is very interesting.
When I was thinking about starting a blog but needed some guidance. And here I met your blog. You are an inspiration and a blessing! Thank you!
Sarah Titus says
That’s great you have a Biblical church Junko! It’s so important. 🙂 Glad you found the site too. Welcome! <3
Amanda says
Hi Sarah I have just stumbled across your website here and only after viewing just the first 2-3 pages I am sitting here and crying like a lil baby like hysterically lol So I know that I did not stumble on accident… First I want to tank you for doing what you are doing….I am currently a single mom of 2 children (ages 15 & 5) trying to get my life in order. I finally have a day off and this is how I choose to try getting this life back to order even just a tiny bit.. My children and I have been homeless since Oct 3rd, 2021 after a domestic abuse occurrence that left myself in jail. Never having been in jail before it was quite scary to say the least. Well I really think God did that on purpose because I just could not for the life of me leave this man alone!! I even seen all the red flags, my children complained about him even myself knew I was being isolated but i still stayed with him.. So I believe God made me go to jail just to see this was the life I was getting into however I myself was NOT willing to live WITHOUT my children so I knew that this was the time….BUT with that choice came homelessness. It very tiring because I have worked closely with the shelters and the homeless coalition every single day following up and just being patient with them knowing that my story is not the only one HOWEVER it is also important. SO anyway I just wanted to say THANK YOU for doing what you do it has definitely inspired me today and I will continue to look to God for answers and also follow up with the creative ways you enjoy your life while still being an inspiration to others 🙂 Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!
Sarah Titus says
Thank you so much for your comment and for sharing your story. I am so sorry to hear that you had to go through that, and am praying that God uses it to bring you and your family closer to Him! It’s great though to have the mindset you have now, of determination and I am glad that this blog and these words could help you.