HELLO!

"I WANT TO LEAVE A LEGACY OF FAITH, CHARACTER, COMPASSION, AND LOVE UPON MY FAMILY. I WANT MY WORK TO COUNT FOR SOMETHING GREATER THAN MYSELF!"

Melissa Martinez

CEO, MAT Commercial Services

THE POWER OF PRAYER

Before we begin, I would like to discuss the importance of prayer and how it can benefit us in many ways! Prayer is not something we should only do at church or during Bible study. It’s something we can do every single day. Like any relationship, if you don’t spend time with that person the relationship will suffer. Prayer is a way for us to spend time with God. It is a way to connect with Him and align our hearts with His. When we pray, we are inviting God into our lives and asking for His guidance. And if you’re anything like me, I NEED His guidance every day! The more we talk and spend time with someone the more we get to know them. The same thing happens when we spend time in prayer connecting with God. The more time we spend talking to Him, the closer we will become!

The Bible says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (NKJV).

I can recall multiple times in my own life moments in prayer where I pressed into His presence (drawing near) and felt His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Prayer helps me focus on what truly matters. Prayer is important because it helps us see life through a heavenly lens!

Paul writes in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (NKJV). Prayer is important because it positions us to receive God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. In life’s hardest moments (and even in the good times), prayer helps me stay focused on what’s close to God’s heart!

WAYS PRAYER CAN BENEFIT US IN OUR DAILY LIVES

01. Prayer can help us focus on what is important.

02. Prayer can help us to stay hopeful in dark times.

03. Prayer can help us feel connected to God on a deeper level.

04. Prayer can help us deal with difficult emotions and situations.

05. Prayer can help us find comfort and peace.

06. Prayer can help us develop a stronger relationship with God.

07. Prayer can help us become more compassionate people.

08. Prayer can give us strength during difficult times.

09. Prayer can help keep our minds and thoughts clear.

10. Prayer is a way of communicating with Jesus and asking for guidance and support in our lives.

VERSE OF THE DAY

9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Philippians 1:9-10 NLT