INTIMACY THROUGH PRAYER (2)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by PRAYER and SUPPLICATION, with THANKSGIVING, let your REQUESTS be made known to God” – Philippians 4:6

Being a vital tool and medium of communion with God, Believers can cultivate Divine INTIMACY through PRAYER: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by PRAYER and SUPPLICATION, with THANKSGIVING, let your REQUESTS be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phi.4: 6-7). This powerful devotional passage encourages us to cultivate Intimacy with God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, knowing that His Peace that transcends human understanding will fortify our hearts and minds, bringing a sense of inner calm. God’s Peace is not just a feeling, but a formidable protective force that guards our hearts and minds, preventing them from being overwhelmed by anxiety and fear.

Instead of dwelling on anxieties, we should bring our concerns to God in prayer and supplication, with hearts of gratitude: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1Pet.5:7). This is not a magic formula, but a lifestyle of making God our Confidant and Source of Strength, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Prayer allows us to unburden our hearts, express our concerns, needs, and joys to God, and listen for His guidance. By constantly praying and expressing our needs and thanks, we cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, which grows as we engage in various devotional acts, such as: Confession, Contemplative Prayer, Intercession, Supplication, Petition, and Thanksgiving.

Confession connotes acknowledgement of sins, repentance, as well as seeking and receiving forgiveness and cleansing.

Contemplative Prayer involves spending time in quiet reflection and listening to God’s Voice. This is characterized by quiet stillness and a focus on God’s Presence, aimed at a deep, experiential connection with the divine, rather than a verbal dialogue. It is the act and experience of a person’s spirit opening to the indwelling Spirit of Christ. The contemplative life is a steady gaze of the soul upon God.

Intercession means praying to God on behalf or others, acting as a mediator or advocate, and pleading for their concerns and needs; essentially “standing in the gap” between God and others for who we’re praying.

Supplication implies entreating someone in power for help or a favour. To supplicate is to plead humbly, like a child would ask the father.

Petitions are prayers of requests. Unlike intercession, petitions involve asking God for something for oneself. We must not hesitate to share our burdens and needs with God. He is always listening and ready to help!

Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude to God for His blessings. Remembering to express gratitude, even in difficult times, shifts our perspective and reminds us of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

As we make prayer and thanksgiving daily habits, we’ll witness God’s peace transforming our lives. Even when we’re feeling distant from God, as we continue to seek Him through these devotional practices, our strength will be renewed!