Prayer delights the heart of God. He loves it when we come to him with thanksgiving, confess our sins, ask for what we need, and thank him in faith that he will do as we ask. Our prayer journals are designed to help you structure your prayers using the four cornerstones below.
PRAISE
Psalm 100:4 reminds us to enter into God's gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. It advises us to be thankful to Him and bless His name. Starting prayer with praise and gratitude is the proper approach. Often, we rush into presenting our requests, but the Bible emphasizes the importance of praising and thanking God first.
We can express our gratitude through words, acknowledging His love, presence, and provision. We can also find inspiration in the Psalms, which are filled with praises to God. Even singing a praise or worship song can be a form of thanksgiving to God.
ADMIT
Psalm 139:23-24 urges us to ask God to search our hearts and know our thoughts, to test us, and reveal any offensive way in us. Confessing and repenting of our sins - whether they be sins of commission or omission - is crucial.
Confession entails agreeing with God and His Word about what He reveals to us, without making excuses. It's about repentance and seeking His forgiveness for our sin.
REQUEST
Philippians 4:6 advises us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God through prayer and supplication. It promises that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
God encourages us to ask Him for what we need, whether material or spiritual. He desires us to seek His wisdom and guidance. It grieves Him when we try to handle everything on our own without seeking His help.
THANK
Psalm 136:1 exhorts us to give thanks to the Lord, because of his goodness and faithful love that endures forever.
After praying, it's essential to thank God in advance for answering our prayers. This requires faith that He has heard us and will respond. Living in expectation of His answer demonstrates our belief in His faithfulness.
Without expecting answers to our prayers, we demonstrate a lack of faith. Waiting for something we doubt will come is frustrating and undermines our trust in God's promises.
Incorporating P.A.R.T into your daily devotions is a sure way to be confident that your prayer touches the heart of God.