By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Someone recently asked me, "Why do we still need to pray if God already knows what we need?” My question to you however is, “When last have you spoken to God about your challenges, requesting Him to specifically work in your life?"

We have an electronic piano at home. My 14-month-old daughter, Joalé, loves music and one of her highlights during the day is when I announce that we will be playing piano. She usually runs ahead to the piano and while standing on the tips of her toes, reaches up to the music keys hoping to hear a sound. The problem, however, is when the piano is not plugged into the power source, it doesn’t produce any sound. This often causes Joalé to look at me with big eyes as if to ask: "So, where is the sound then, Mom?"

God is our power source and when we pray, He demonstrates His power to us. Although we read in Psalm 139:4: “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.” We also read in James 4:2 b “. . . You have not because you ask not.” Therefore, although God knows about our difficult marriages, financial crisis, challenge with our weight or bad relationship with family members, He still wants us to consult Him about it.

Prayer changes our perspective on any challenge we might face. Not only does it help us to stay humble and dependent on God, it also helps us to look away from the challenge, focusing on God. It is like allowing God to fill our silent, dry areas in our lives with world-class symphonies.

How do we know that prayer works? In Matthew 7:7, Jesus says: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we read: “Never stop praying.” And in Mark 11:24, Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

When last have you spoken to God - not just the five minutes in the morning or evening, but throughout the day while also listening to His voice when He speaks back through his Holy Spirit? Do you invite Him to be a part of all your decisions or do you merely inform Him after you have already made a decision? Remember, God never slumbers nor sleeps. He already has world-class symphonies lined up. Plug into Him and you might be amazed at what He is able to do in your life. God bless.

Father God, thank You that I can talk to You. Help me to look away from my challenges and keep my eyes on You. I specifically need your help today with (tell God what you need). Please strengthen me while I am waiting for You. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ.Amen.

• MONTH THEME: Let’s live thankful. Are you thankful that God forgave you or that He helped you forgive someone that harmed you? Share your thoughts with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.