The "ABC's" of Prayer - Q is for Quiet.

When you discuss the topic of prayer, there are other words that also quite naturally come to mind. Solace, calm, peace and probably most frequently we also think of isolation or quiet. But did you know that "quiet" is not necessarily a prerequisite for prayer, but God's Word says; to the contrary, it is the outcome of prayer. Listen to the words of the Apostle Paul as he mentors his son in the faith: Timothy. "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior:" (1 Timothy 2:1-3) Wow, think about it. If we dedicate a portion of our life to prayer, the outcome will be a quiet and peaceful life. And not only that, but a disciplined prayer life will cultivate honest and godly characteristics in us. Is it any wonder that our Heavenly Father wants us to pray? For the benefit is not only to those we pray for, but to we who commit ourselves to the most needful, beneficial and honorable past time of all.

The "ABC"s of Prayer - "P" is for Peace

One of the greatest desires of all mankind is peace. Unfortunately we seem to look everywhere for it except to the only One who can provide it. The prophet Isaiah may have said it best when he wrote: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" (Isaiah 26:3) To experience true peace we must fill our minds with thoughts of our Lord. In fact, the Apostle Paul took focusing on God one step further by telling the church at Philippi to put everything else aside and to "be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6) When we focus on our Heavenly Father and make our requests known to Him in prayer then. . . "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) The PRINCE OF PEACE!