It’s time to pray (1)

Do you remember when most restaurants had opening and closing hours? It was their schedule, and not your appetite, that decided whether you ate or went hungry. Not anymore: now you can pop into many of your favourite eating places anytime your appetite hits. That’s how God operates; He is available 24/7. And although praying isn’t limited to set times, there are certain times when it’s vital that you talk to God. Here are two: 1) When you have sinned. Your emotions of guilt and shame, plus Satan ‘the accuser’, will tell you to avoid God. But turning to Him is the only solution to sin. Burdened by adultery, deception, and murder, David realised he needed to confess his sin to God. ‘Cleanse me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow…Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me’ (vv. 7, 10 NIVUK). John said God is ‘faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9 NIV). Have you sinned? A fresh beginning is only a prayer away. 2) When you’re worried and afraid. You don’t have to look too far to find things to worry about; they’re all around you. Financial, professional, health, and family concerns can make you stressed-out and anxious. Where to turn? Prayer is God’s answer to fear and anxiety. ‘Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in…thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds’ (Philippians 4:6-7 PHPS).