Want to know God?

By Jenni Ingram
Member, First Baptist Church, Gantt

These days everything is so money-centered. If you want to take a day trip with your spouse and even just one child, be prepared to spend a minimum of $100.

Everywhere I turn it seems there is a wonderful and worthy cause that needs my money. Whether it’s a school fundraiser, a charitable organization, a political party or a church event I am constantly reminded how limited my budget is.

This got me thinking about how I could help these causes I believe in even though I do not have the finances to contribute. Then it dawned on me in a one-word revelation from heaven — pray. I can pray for them. It cost me nothing but time and He gives me a way to help.
Prayer is an open line to God. We can lay our petitions directly at the throne and at the feet of the Lord.

I am big on acronyms. So here is one that will help you pray — P: Praise, R: Repent, A: Ask, Y: Yield.

Praise is based on Psalm 100:4 — “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”

Repent is best explained in 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us.”

We are told by Jesus in Luke 11:9, “Ask and it will be given to you.”

Finally yield to what God says to you.

This is the hardest of all. Even when we don’t want to, we must obey what answer He gives to our prayer. Sometimes it is “yes,” sometimes it is “no” and sometimes it is “not yet.”

Be prepared and stay prayed up.