Pray First: The Power of Putting Prayer Before Anything Else

Prayer is a powerful tool for anyone who believes in God. It allows us to connect with Him, share our thoughts, ask for guidance, and express gratitude. But often, in the busy lives we lead, we forget to turn to prayer first when we face challenges, make decisions, or even celebrate joyful moments. This simple idea of "pray first" can change our lives by reminding us to rely on God before anything else. In this article, we will explore why we should make prayer our first response in every situation and how it can make a difference.

What Does "Pray First" Mean?

The phrase "pray first" is a reminder to put prayer at the beginning of everything we do. Whether we are starting a new day, making an important decision, or dealing with a problem, our first action should be to pray. This means turning to God before we take any other steps. When we pray first, we invite God to guide us, give us peace, and help us make wise choices.

Instead of trying to solve problems on our own or rushing to find answers, we take a moment to pause and pray. It is about seeking God’s will and trusting Him to lead us through any situation.

Why Should We Pray First?

1. Prayer Connects Us to God: When we pray, we are having a conversation with God. Just like talking to a friend helps us feel close to them, prayer helps us feel close to God. He listens to every word, and through prayer, we can share our deepest thoughts, worries, and hopes. By praying first, we make sure our relationship with God is strong and growing.

2. Prayer Brings Peace: Life can be stressful, and sometimes we face situations that make us feel anxious or scared. When we pray, we can experience a sense of peace that comes from knowing God is in control. Philippians 4:6-7 in the Bible says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When we pray first, we can find peace, even in the most difficult times.

3. Prayer Helps Us Make Better Decisions: Sometimes we face choices that are hard to make. Should we take a new job, move to a new place, or end a difficult relationship? Instead of rushing into a decision, praying first allows us to seek God’s wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." When we pray, we ask God for guidance and trust that He will show us the right way.

4. Prayer Shows Our Trust in God: When we pray first, we show God that we trust Him. Instead of relying on our own strength or knowledge, we turn to Him for help. This trust is an important part of our faith. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches us to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." By praying first, we show that we believe God will provide for our needs and lead us in the best direction.

5. Prayer Changes Our Hearts: Sometimes, when we pray, God doesn’t change our situation immediately. Instead, He changes our hearts. He gives us patience, understanding, and compassion. When we pray first, we allow God to work inside of us, making us more like Him. Through prayer, we can find the strength to forgive others, to love people who are difficult, and to handle challenges with grace.

When Should We Pray First?

The idea of "pray first" doesn’t mean we only pray when something bad happens. It means we make prayer a part of everything we do. Here are some examples of when we should pray first:

• When We Wake Up: Starting our day with prayer sets a positive tone. By praying first thing in the morning, we can ask God to bless our day, protect us, and help us make good choices.

• Before Making Decisions: Big or small, decisions can be hard to make. Whether it’s deciding on a career path, choosing a school, or figuring out how to solve a problem, praying first allows God to guide us.

• When We Are Worried: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by worry. Instead of letting fear take over, we should pray first, asking God to calm our hearts and minds.

• During Happy Times: Prayer isn’t just for difficult moments. We should also pray first when good things happen, thanking God for His blessings and giving Him praise for the joy we experience.

• When Helping Others: If a friend or family member is going through a tough time, we can pray first before offering advice or assistance. By praying for them and with them, we invite God to work in their situation.

How to Make Prayer a Habit

It can be hard to remember to pray first, especially when life is busy. But making prayer a habit is possible with a few simple steps:

1. Set Reminders: Whether it’s an alarm on your phone or a sticky note on your mirror, set reminders to pray. This can help you remember to pray first before starting your day or making a decision.

2. Start Small: You don’t need to pray for hours. Start by taking just a few moments to pray in the morning or before a meal. As you get used to it, you can increase the time you spend in prayer.

3. Pray Anytime, Anywhere: You don’t need to be in church or on your knees to pray. You can pray while walking, driving, or even while at work. God listens no matter where you are.

4. Keep a Prayer Journal: Writing down your prayers can help you stay focused and remember what you’ve prayed for. It’s also a great way to see how God has answered your prayers over time.

5. Pray with Others: Find a friend or family member to pray with. When you pray together, you can encourage each other and remind each other to pray first.

Conclusion

"Pray first" is a simple but powerful reminder to make prayer a priority in our lives. Whether we are facing challenges, making decisions, or celebrating good times, prayer should be our first response. By praying first, we build a stronger connection with God, find peace in difficult situations, make better decisions, and show our trust in His plan. Making prayer a habit may take time, but the rewards are worth it. Let us commit to praying first in all things and experience the peace and guidance that comes from putting God first.