There are many scriptures in the Bible that refer to the power of prayer and tell us why we should pray. As a child I can recall my grandmother always making sure we prayed (especially at night) and whenever someone in the family needed direction or clarity, she would say, “Pray about it.” Today, my mother says the same thing: “Pray about it.”

As I started to mature and experience trials and tribulations I did not want to share with family and friends, I took them to God in prayer.  As far back as I can remember I have never prayed for material things; rather, my prayers have always been for strength, clarity, and direction.  What I have learned over the years is that most of my bad situations were due to me making bad decisions/choices, acting too fast, listening to the wrong people, or just thinking I could handle anything. At the end of it all, I had no one to blame but myself.

Recently, I was dealing with a certain issue and had to make a decision.  I knew what I had to do but was struggling with actually doing it.  As I prepared for bed, I knew what I had to do. I had to pray on it and give it to God.  I prayed a very specific prayer asking for direction and guidance. As I started the next day, the answer was revealed to me early in the day. God confirmed everything that I was feeling in my gut.  I was ready to make my move!

What I know for sure (stealing Oprah’s line) is that there is power in prayer. Whenever I think I can do it alone, I can’t. I have learned that it is easier to pray for guidance and direction at the beginning of any big decision-making process, to spare me some of the unnecessary mistakes.  When I do call on Him, He is always there, THANK YOU GOD!

Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7