The Spiritual Fitness ManualSample

The Power of Prayer - Part 1

By Chaplain Jesus Alvarez, US Border Patrol 

Prayer is the most vital tool that the First Responder has in his relationship with God. This communication lifeline will help you develop the spiritual maturity you need to daily overcome the tremendous obstacles you face. But first, let’s take a look at what it means to be prayerful, spiritual, and religious. By praying, we are asking God to help us in our needs or to give thanks to Him.

Spirituality is your relationship with God. The developing closeness that happens as you spend time with Him much like in a growing relationship with someone you love Religion is how you express that relationship.

WHY SHOULD WE PRAY?

God wants to hear our voice by praying. We call out to Him to help us in our needs. Frequent prayer establishes our dependency on Him. Prayer reinforces our faith in God. When asking for a spiritual gift or grace, remember that ultimately “God’s will be done” and not yours. Just as a parent would not give a poisonous snake to his child to play with, so our God and Father will not grant our prayer requests if they will do harm to us. He sees the entire picture. If God does not answer your prayers according to your desires it is because of His all-knowing love for you. Accept it and move on. 

PRAYER IS A POWERFUL TOOL. 

We establish our need for God in every aspect of our lives by praying. We see signs of this when we ask for Holy gifts on our own behalf, or for the betterment of others. These prayers bring forth goodness in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Be patient in prayer and look for the fruits of what your prayers bring forth, they’re called blessings and they almost always are miraculous. Remember again to have faith when you pray, and know that God is anxious to hear your voice calling out to Him. When we establish a prayer dialogue with God, He hears us. Temper your prayers with patience and wisdom, patience to wait for an answer.