MANAGE YOUR STRESS WITH PRAYER

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have for avoiding, reducing or better managing stress. Jesus taught that we "OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY." (Luke 18:17) We pray when we silently or vocally talk to God. Our prayers can be spontaneous, such as "THANK YOU LORD THAT I AM ALIVE."or we can express concerns such as, "LORD, LET ME REMEMBER THAT EVERY WORD THAT I SPEAK REFLECTS MY EXPERIENCES OF YOU. TEACH ME THE WORDS THAT LIVE." One of my favorite prayers is the one Jesus taught that begins with "OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN." (Matthew 6: 9 -13) In seeking God's help with our stresses, we will pray a variety of prayers. Among them are prayers of: * PRAISE AND ADORATION. These prayers focus our minds on the goodness of God. We esteem Him and acknowledge that His power and love for us are awesome. * THANKSGIVING. * We obey 1 Thessalonians 5:16 which says "BE JOYFUL ALWAYS. PRAY CONTINUALLY; GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU IN JESUS CHRIST." * PETITION & SUPPLICATION. In prayers of petition, we ask God for something. In prayers of supplication, we pray from the bottom of our hearts, i.e., we beg Him. * INTERCESSION. These are prayers that we pray in behalf of others. Many times the cause of our stress is worry about another person. When we pray for that person, God hears us and mobilizes the resources of Heaven in that person's behalf. * CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE. All of us have sinned. (1 John 1:8 - 10) Sin is often a major source of our stress, especially the sins of pride and unforgiveness. When we acknowledge our sins and make commitments to refrain from them, God is faithful to forgive us and grant us peace. MAKE PRAYING A HABIT * Before getting out of bed each morning, greet the Lord. Say or think, "GOOD MORNING, LORD." Thank Him for who He is, what He has done, is doing or will do. * Pray frequently throughout the day. This will help you to be aware of His powerful presence and His willingness to help you with whatever you experience. * No matter what you are stressed about, thank Him. Trust that "GOD WILL MAKE ALL THINGS WORK FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. (Romans 8:28) Just make sure that the choices you make reflect your love for and commitment to Him. * Pray that God will bless the people who annoy you, offend you or are your enemies. (Matthew 5:44) Pray also that He will enable you to love your enemies and to do good to them that hate and abuse you. When you do, God will reduce your stress and give you a more positive attitude towards them and your situation. * Whenever you begin to worry, interrupt that thought by praying specifically for what you want to replace what you fear. Follow the instructions of Philippians 4: 6-6 so that THE PEACE OF GOD THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING WILL GUARD YOUR HEART AND YOUR MIND THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. * Set aside times for extended prayers. Don't make a habit of only speaking to God on the run. Set aside time for leisurely praising, thanking and listening for His Spirit to speak to your soul. * Always pray before going to sleep at night. Say prayers of praise & adoration, petition and supplication, intercession, confession, repentance and thanksgiving. These may be your last prayers on earth. ///