The month of August has been designated as prayer month. I have been anticipating this special time for at least two months now . . . and it’s finally here! As I have grown older and matured spiritually and naturally, I have come to a greater understanding of the critical need for prayer. Simply explained, prayer is our direct communication with God. The old folks used to tell us that God is never too busy, and you can call Him anytime and get through! I was always taught to be respectful to my elders and never question what they said even when it didn’t make sense. Well, if you don’t have a relationship with God how could you understand that you can “call Him anytime you need Him”. But that is exactly how you build a relationship with anyone – you talk to them!

The Bible is full of individuals who prayed unto God and received answers. They were not perfect and did not do everything right, but God was always listening, ready, willing and able to not only answer but to perform. When we come to the Father with sincerity of heart while acknowledging our human frailties, it is then that we allow God to be God!

In the Old Testament it was the High Priest who was chosen to enter the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people. It wasn’t that the High Priest was perfect, but He was chosen. We no longer live under that law. When Jesus was crucified on the cross of Calvary, He gave His life for our sins! From that very day no one will ever have to go to God for you. We are now chosen and have the privilege of entering God’s presence whenever we desire to. Every time we enter His presence the purpose of our very existence is revealed.

As I go through life, I view opportunities through a very different lens if you will. Some things that I should have relished the opportunity to take advantage of I did not see them as such. Whether it was due to fear, insecurity, lack of motivation, or lack of knowledge my perception was very narrow and limited. It was not until I allowed my mind to expand to receive revelation and became brave enough to venture outside of the box I had created for myself, that I began to see the bright horizon of privilege and purpose.

Until we change our perception of prayer and see it as a privilege that brings purpose, then it will always be found on our list of obligations. God wants us to come to Him first just to be in His presence. He already knows we have needs, concerns, and issues. But the privilege of bringing everything to Him in prayer is ours without even asking! I close with just one example of God’s great promises to us, Jeremiah 33: 3 plainly states the privilege and substantiates His purpose.

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and might things, which thou knowest not.”

Source: First Lady Denise