Counsel #5 — Prayer

Picture: Counsel #5 — PrayerCI 54.1

Prayer — how we talk with God — allows for a deeper bond and connection to our present moment with Him. For Christians, meditation isn’t about emptying the mind of all thought, but instead focusing our minds specifically on God’s goodness, the Holy Spirit’s presence, and the selflessness of Jesus.^{[54]https://adventistreview.org/2012-1523/2012-1523-22/} When we meditate prayerfully on God’s sovereignty and power, it can calm us and bring us peace when we are stressed or afraid.CI 54.2

“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.” Philippians 4:6, 7 NKJVCI 54.3

“Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrow, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him…Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice.” Ellen White in Steps to Christ, p. 100CI 54.4

Reflect: What kinds of things do you share with God? In the past, have you felt that some things are too trivial to bring to Him? Why?CI 54.5