Romans 12:12

One of the works of the Holy Spirit is to direct our prayer life. When Peter and John were going to the temple to pray, they stopped to help a crippled man who was sitting beside the road. (What is the point of going to prayer if we are not in a spirit of listening prayer on the way?) That man had been there every day begging alms; why, on that day, did Peter and John stop? Perhaps it is because in the verses before this story, the Holy Spirit had filled their lives.

Do you ever just feel the need to stop what you are doing and pray one of those “it can’t wait another minute” prayers? Wouldn’t it be something if we were as attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit as we are to our phones? Imagine staying in constant touch with heaven, checking for messages from the Lord, and getting directions from the one who sees the road ahead of us. This is the meaning of, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

I am thankful that I was taught by a giant of prayer that the best prayers we pray come from God and return to God.

Once during a Bible Study at an assisted living home, a dear lady told me this story: She was washing dishes and looking out the window. She became so overwhelmed with the sudden need to pray for her daughter that she got on her knees at the sink and lifted soap covered hands in prayer. Soon she received word that her daughter had survived a terrible car wreck. (It was estimated to be about the same time that she was praying.)

There have been many such stories shared with me over the years of ministry. Remember the song: “Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I pray.” The best prayers we pray come from God and return to God.”