Scripture tells us that Christ’s purpose was to give those who accepted Him a rich and satisfying life. Some Scripture says Jesus said He would give us an abundant life. We are told that we will not live a life without troubles but we can live it with joy and a trust in God. I believe the problem many Christians have is they do not really know God. If you don’t truly know God nor have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, those problems that we endure can be horrible. God must become the center of our lives or He is not in our lives.

John 10:10 – “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (NLT) No matter how many times you may have attended church or Sunday school and heard all the Bible stories does not mean that you have a personal relationship with Christ and know God. Scripture states there are two ways to develop a relationship and it requires studying the Bible daily, and having time for prayer.

Many have found that finding a secret place to pray is helpful. Matthew 6:6 – “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” I have found that having a place to pray each day has been helpful. The Bible tells us praying must be a high priority and it is always best to pray on our knees. One of the Apostles had knee problems because he spent so much time on his knees in prayer.

This is a time to ask God if we are being obedient to His ways and listen for an inaudible answer. Earlier as a Christian I prayed daily asking that God would show me His purpose and His plan for my life. Now that I know what they are, I pray that my family might also find their purpose for life. I pray for myself and others that need physical healing.

I am continually thanking God for meeting my needs. As the above Scripture promises, God has rewarded me abundantly and has kept every promise He has made. Praying daily has given me encouragement and that personal relationship.

Matthew 6:5 – 6 – “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (NLT)

The prayers of I Chronicles 4:9, Ephesians 1:17-21 and Galatians 5:22-23

God bless me with your Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Bless my “being” by enlightening my heart with the hope of eternal life with you. Please continue to change the disposition of my heart to that of a servant. Please give me your resurrection power, your ascension power and your dominion power that you used to take Christ to heaven.

God bless me with the fullness of the Holy Spirit that will give me love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as well as my family, my church family and my small group. Please increase my spiritual responsibilities and widen my area of influence. Please expand my potential that I might impact more lives spiritually. Allow your supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to protect me from Satan in all areas of my life. God help me to be totally dependent on you. God bless my career/my business that I might increase my tithes and offerings to the church and beyond.

You will not really know God or have a personal relationship with Christ without studying your Bible. In this world, one can become prosperous and feel they no longer need or depend on God. We must learn to trust God to do what He says He will do. Without Bible knowledge trusting can become difficult.

1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” NKJV

I have written 784 Christian blogs. I could not have done so without knowing God and having a personal relationship with Christ. I have been inspired by the Holy Spirit as I write each one. The above is what I have learned from praying daily and daily reading my Bible. I hope this will encourage you to do the same. My family and I have been truly blessed and so can you and yours.