Relying on prayer is another essential element of our lives as Christians. We believe that God invites us to pray and that He hears and responds to our prayers. While it is one of the great mysteries of God, somehow, He allows our prayers to impact the events of our world. Our prayers can spark real change in our hearts and lives, and the hearts and lives of others. We believe that the prayers of God’s people are powerful and effective.

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Philippians 4:6-7 - do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your

requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

While prayer certainly has an impact on our world, we believe the primary purpose of prayer is communion with Jesus. We are meant for intimate relationship with Jesus, and it is in prayer where that intimacy is cultivated. God is not a genie who we only talk to when we want something. He is a loving Father who longs to be with us and for us to be with Him. At its core, relying on prayer is about the belief that the thing we need most, is not for God to fix the things that are broken in our lives, but for God to be with us and for us to know His presence. Quite times in prayer with Jesus, are where true intimacy and love is fostered. Relying on prayer is ultimately about developing our relationship with Jesus to the point that no matter

what is going on around us we can sense His presence and hear His voice.

Oh Lord, thank You for being present and for allowing me to sense and know You. Thank You for inviting me to spend time with You and for always being there when I call. Thank You for meeting me in the quite place and for choosing intimacy with me. Thank You for hearing my prayers and for always responding to them. And thank You for inspiring my prayers and using them to bring about Your will on earth as it is in heaven. Oh Lord, that is my desire. May Your will be done in my life and in the lives of those around me. All for Your glory! Amen