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By Pastor Nilo Briones, BALM

Are you troubled, languishing in pain, or hopeless as you grapple with a situation that seems almost beyond control?  Remember that there is power in prayer, for it is the appointed method for those who believe in Jesus Christ to obtain the blessings of God.   The Scriptures say, “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” (Phil. 4:6-7).

Prayer is simply a two-way conversation with God – by being still before His divine presence as you unload your burden.  However, it must be done in faith, as the Bible says that “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).

More often, we hear of people so desperate of solutions to problems who would say, “Just pray!” (Manalangin ka na lamang!), as if praying is the last resort.  Could it be because prayer is spiritual and human beings dwell more on tangible things that appeal to physical senses.  Well, if we reflect soberly, we’ll realize that there is nothing new under the sun.  The problems that man encounter in our contemporary time had happened even before during the early span of history.  And if we are to read the lives of the biblical heroes of faith, they have survived with God’s providence as they employed prayers in the spirit of faith.

So why worry when you can pray?  Why fear when a humble prayer moves the hand of God?  Be strong then and of good courage, because God is just a prayer-away.  It is always His delight to graciously give His never-exhausting resources and blessings to those who earnestly seek and trust in Him.  Finally, be encouraged by these words as you live a righteous life – “whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 John 3:22).