21 Days of Prayer. Day 8. Great Expectations. "Bless the Lord , O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:..." Psalm 103:2 Good news! God has prepared an amazing benefits plan for His people. The plan includes healing, deliverance, safety and provision. These are the kind of benefits that we can't live without and here's more good news ~ you can unlock those benefits through prayer!

Pray with great expectation!

When you pray, set your heart to expect answers to your prayer. Just remember this... your expectations should be tied to your relationship with God. We see this in I Corinthians 2:9 which says, "...it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

The point is that we express our love for God through prayer. God is no longer some far off distant celestial being who is all powerful. There aren't many who would admit to that. In fact, there are probably more people who confess that they love Jesus but treat him like that. Prayer must be a lifestyle. A common ongoing conversation with God. A conversation that you enjoy and look forward to continuing every time you can. This is intimate relationship with your heavenly Father.

When you intentionally change your view of God, and approach Him because of the relationship instead of what you can get from Him, you will be more satisfied than imagined. That's the REAL benefit of prayer ~ growing in a close, loving relationship with God.

Oh, and what about that other stuff? Well, here's what happens when you pray this way...

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 KJV

So in addition to the relationship benefit, you also get fringe benefits!

Now that's great expectations!

Lord, thank you for being a loving and kind heavenly Father. Your presence is like the fragrance of peace after a cooling rain. Let me experience the fresh breeze of relationship with You. Introduce me to the reality of Your heart's desire for your people. Call to me when I stray and please, help me to tune my ears to hear Your voice. I choose to chase after You with all my heart and soul. I give my life to You so You can use me. In Jesus name, Amen!

Inspiring Hope and Seasoning Faith, Pastor Sean