Prayer Must Remain at the Center of Our Plans

When we prepare for the future we often spend much time thinking about what needs to be done. We set goals and work hard with the hope of seeing good results. Yet as believers we must first consider whether we are bringing these plans before God. It is important to seek His guidance and allow Him to lead the direction of our lives.

Psalm 127:1 teaches that unless the Lord builds the house those who build it labor in vain. This word reminds us that our efforts alone cannot establish the work of God. We may have a clear vision and a strong desire to move forward. Yet we must remain dependent upon the Lord and ask Him to build what we cannot establish through our own strength.

It can be easy to give less time to prayer when life becomes busy. We may feel that there is too much to do and that we must keep working without stopping. However these are the very moments when we need to draw closer to God. Through prayer we can bring our burdens before Him and receive the grace to continue faithfully.

In John 15:5 Jesus teaches that apart from Him we can do nothing. Just as a branch must remain in the vine to bear fruit we must remain in Christ. Our desire to serve God must be supported by a living relationship with Him. As we remain close to the Lord our hearts can be renewed and our plans can be shaped according to His will.

Prayer also helps us examine what we are truly seeking. At times we may ask God to bless a direction we have already chosen without being willing to listen. Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and acknowledge Him in all our ways. We must come before God with a heart that is willing to follow even when His direction is different from what we expected.

There may also be times when we pray faithfully but do not see an answer right away. In these moments we must continue to trust that God hears us. Waiting can become a precious time to grow in faith and learn to depend upon Him more deeply. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 teaches we are called to pray continually.

As we look toward the work ahead may prayer remain at the center of our plans. Whether we are preparing for a new responsibility or hoping to bring one more soul to Christ we need the guidance of God. May we seek Him each day and faithfully carry out the work before us with confidence in His grace and power.