This is the second post in a three-part series called “Lessons from Last Year.” As I finished out the year and reflected on family changes and life in general, I realized that the last year has been a good one even though it was often quite challenging.

Here is the second of three specific changes I made over the last year that had a significant and positive impact on my life.

(Did you miss my first post in the series? Find it here.)

It feels strange to write this as an article because I am nowhere near perfect at this concept. In fact, I almost didn't write it at all because I look over the past year and see how much I struggled to do this well and consistently.

But part of the beauty of the Christian life is that amid the trying and falling short and trying again, God's strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

That's why, as I look back, I cannot help but marvel at the difference prayer makes.

Standing in the Need of Prayer

When my fall semester began almost a year ago, I was optimistic. I was genuinely excited about most of my classes and looked forward to continuing my friendships at school.

But it wasn't all roses. Yes, I had fun classes and good friends, but difficulties started piling up. One another another, the unexpected conflicts or circumstantial hardships came in unending succession.

I had been praying, of course (I mean, I'm a Christian). But the more the difficulties came - and the more the spiritual attack came - the more I was pressed to pray.

In the Battle

I prayed when I felt rejected. I prayed when I struggled with bitterness. I prayed when I saw the enemy attacking my family. I prayed when I saw the enemy attacking my church. I prayed when my plans came undone and I had no clue which way to turn.

I wasn't a saint through all of this. I was just a child of God crying out for her Father.

For years, I've sought to make prayer a priority in my life. I did not prioritize a set-apart prayer time during the school year even though I wanted to. However, I prayed throughout life.

I often prayed in the car. I prayed when life's circumstances crashed on me again. I prayed when the enemy's dark plans threatened to triumph and faith had to take a stand. I prayed when my heart broke.

The God Who Hears

One of my favorite verses about God's character has been Psalm 62:5, "O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come." God's very Name is The One Who Hears Prayer.

And He has heard.

I look back on the battles and see God's faithfulness. Some of the battles are completed, a testimony of God's victory. Others are still requiring prayer, a daily fight.

Even the battles that are ongoing make me pause in awe of just how far God has brought the situations. If not for Him - if not for the power of prayer - I have no clue how things would have turned out.

Ask.

No matter what season of life you're in, pray, pray, pray!

James 5:16 says that, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." And we are righteous not in our own strength but in the blood of Christ that was shed for us.

So come before the throne of God boldly (Heb. 4:16), knowing that you are accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6), and plead for God to move mightily on this earth.

It could be that your Father is just waiting for you to ask.

Part 3: coming soon!