Entering into the Spiritual Realm

Some may call it a conversation. A song. Others may call it a cry, a battle cry or a cry for help. Some may just say the name Jesus. A memorized truth. A hopeful wish or promise. The communication line we have with Jesus, through the Spirit. Prayer. For centuries, people all over the world have used prayer in different forms and ways to connect with God. Jesus Himself, even used prayer to talk to God, His Father. Prayers of thanksgiving, like when God sent manna from heaven. Prayers of fear, like when Jesus was literally sweating drops of blood in the Garden, the night before He got crucified. Pleading prayers of people such as when Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to spare their brother Lazurus’s life and not let him die. Prayer is a way we can enter in and immerse ourselves in the spiritual realm. In The Road Less Traveled, Scott Peck says, “We should not be blinded by the brilliant light of the spiritual realm”. I wholeheartedly think that prayer is not an action we should shy away from, yet something we should fully enter into.  

 In the book of James, specifically in chapter 5, it talks about how in every situation we should pray. How our lives should be an ongoing conversation with Jesus. James says that if anyone is in trouble, they should pray. God can be our comfort, safety, and rescue in the hard times. James says that if anyone is happy, they should sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. He loves to celebrate with us! James also talks about if anyone is sick, (I believe physically or spiritually), that they should call upon elders, which is anyone who is more spiritually mature or seasoned in their walk with the Lord then you, and ask them to pray for healing. Prayer is powerful. 

In Matthew it talks about where two or more gather and pray, that Jesus is with them and in that space. James tells us to “confess our sins to one another so you may be healed”. When we share our hearts and prayers, healing will come. Healing may not come in the form that you want, but God will work and heal in His own, creative way. To end the book, James says this: “The prayer of a righteous person is POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE”. Powerful and effective are a power team when they are put together. I don't always feel like my prayers are powerful and effective. Sometimes, especially with everything going on, I even feel as if my prayers are messy and jumbled. Cries and complaints. Or even just a conversation, sometimes with a bad attitude. But more often than not, I would not describe them as powerful and effective. I think Max Lucado sums this idea up perfectly: “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” 

It is important to remember who we are talking to. Jesus, the One who saves, the Creator of all. The One who can turn what I think is messy and jumbled into something that is powerful and effective. Jesus makes a way when we don't see a way. He is constantly turning my mess into a masterpiece! 

- Bella