Witness Reaction Program Step One: Prayer

It all starts with God. How do we communicate with God? We do so through prayer. Why is prayer so important? The answer is because there is the devil. The devil and his minions attack those who can do the most damage to him.

Why should we pray? Jesus did.

While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Heb 5:7 (NLT)

After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Matt 14:23 (NLT)

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Mark 1:35 (NLT)

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.”
Matt 26:36 (NLT)

One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Luke 9:18 (NLT)

Start your day with prayer. Finish your day with prayer. If we are to get in touch with our Heavenly Father we need to talk with Him as often as possible. In the morning take the time to pray and hand over to God the burdens you have. Give up to God those problems with your spouse, children, friends, co-workers, neighbors, physical problems, financial problems and anything else. These things are holding you back and interfering with your personal relationship with Christ. Sure you will still have to deal with them but as a co-pilot. God is now in control. Let Him drive and do not try to give Him directions. He knows what is best for you.

It sounds simple. It is and many of us end up skipping it until faced with a dire situation. We need to pray in good and bad times. We run into the devil when we are going the opposite direction of him. We never see the evil one when we are running along side of him.

D.C is not my daily devotional good enough? Let me ask you. Is just sitting down at the table with your family good enough or should you take the time to talk to them? Is leaving your spouse a note good enough?

I cannot emphasize it enough. You need to drop off all that extra baggage holding you down. Jesus is there for you.

Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28 (NLT)

So D.C. how often should I ask Jesus for help? Pray as often as it takes. Ask other brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for you and at times with you. One book I recommend is “Power Prayers to Start Your Day” by Donna K. Maltese.

A personal relationship with Christ is just that. It is personal. Do not be surprised when your prayer time becomes a conversation. A conversation takes two and He is there with you. God does not talk to me directly but I have received full sentences as answers. I am not crazy. I am sure if you talk with your brother and sisters in Christ they too will tell you so.

The first step in the Witness Reaction Program is prayer. Your communication with God is vital if you are to have that personal one-on-one relationship we all as Christians want. Prayer is absolutely required for staying tuned-in with God.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8 (ESV)