Step 1 - Pray. Fervent prayer connects us to God and thus we are able to tap into His power. This power strengthens us and gives us the ability to bear injustice, to face persecutions, to overlook the faults of others and to forgive our offenders. It also dispels feelings of hatred, revenge and discouragement. Prayer is a solvent and glue. It helps resolve differences, clear misunderstandings and also heals and restores relationships. Prayer is the soil in which hope and healing grow best. The purpose of prayer is not only to get what we want, but to become what God wants us to be - peacemakers. We must therefore resort to prayer as our first response rather than our last resort. |