The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

tical plan, such as the "Santa Claus approach," where we dump all the requests once a year. But without frequent investment of time, we would forget God, and our relationship with Him would never grow. He values our company far more than we value His . And so He has tied prayer to blessing in order that we might come to Him often, to lead us eventually to treasure the greatest blessing of all-Himself and His presence with us.

5. According to each of the following passages, why is a deeper relationship with God a blessing to you?

Psalm 27:4-14

Psalm 73:25-28

D. Prayer produces the fruit of a positive attitude-joy, confidence, security, faith, and peace. When we fill our lives with prayer, the whining drops off, and existence becomes considerably more enjoyable. We recognize the good in our circum­ stances, in others and in God, coming closer to perpetual joy and gratitude (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We become attractive and edifying to others. The problems don't all go away, but if you pray about them daily (Philippians 4:6-7), they fade in comparison to all there is to be grateful and joyful for.

6. How would your typica( daily patterns of thought be different ifthe truths of these passages were deeply integrated into your heart?

Psalm 16.'11

Ephesians 1:18-23

Philippians 4:6-7

E. Prayer produces spiritual growth. It is thoroughly appropriate to pray for your own character growth and maturity. Even as you pray about other matters, time in His pres-