“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Prayer is when we talk to God. We may say a prayer before we eat to thank God for our food. We might say a prayer at bedtime and ask for His protection. We can say a prayer whenever we want to talk to God. We can pray out loud or we can pray by simply sharing our thoughts and feelings with God. But the wonderful thing is that God always hears our prayers.

I think about the power of prayer whenever I play with Traveler, our black Lab. Last year about this time, we were told she had cancer and would only live 6 – 12 months more. The whole story is in “God Answers Prayers!” in the For the Kids section of this website. But Traveler, our little Sugar Bear, is still with us! It is not us that gives prayer power, but God’s unlimited power to respond to our prayers.

Can you think of a time when God answered your prayer? Or the prayer of someone you know? God sometimes answers our prayers with a yes, like He did for Traveler. Sometimes God answers with no, especially if we are asking for something selfishly or that might hurt someone else. And other times God’s answer might be wait or not yet. I have gotten each of those answers at different times.

But what is certain is that God loves you and hears your prayers. I always feel better after I have shared my problems with God. He helps me carry them, even if He doesn’t always make them go away.

When I pray, these four steps help me. And I hope they will help you, too!

Praise God for who He is and how wonderful He is.

Remember all God has done for you and be thankful.

Ask God for forgiveness, then ask Him to help others and you.

Yearn for God’s love and to know Him better.

This week talk with your parents about prayer. Ask them about some of their prayers that have been answered by God’s power. Remember that whenever you are worried or afraid, or happy and thankful, or anytime, you can talk to God. God is always with you.

Blessings as you pray with God!

Here’s a Prayer Bear to help guide your prayers!