MELISSA GABLER–Here are some thoughts on prayer during times of war, such as we are dealing with at this time.  In Matthew 6:7 Jesus gives insight on prayer, “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”  Vain repetitions here means: “To chatter, be long-winded, utter empty words, stammer, repeat”.  In times like these there is a tendency to just rattle off every fear and concern we have.  Jesus gave good advice here as he explained in verse 8, “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”  We need to come to God prepared to hear an answer and not just to throw up our worries all over Him.  This really came to life for me recently when I had just had one of those days where my concern list got filled up.  That evening I sat down to be quiet and listen when, all of a sudden, I was standing in this beautiful garden.  The trees caught my attention because they seemed lively and animated.  As I was taking in their beauty they all turned in one direction and I realized they were responding to the Lord walking through the garden.  I saw Him walking toward me when this thought hit me, “He knows”. In that moment I literally felt my shoulders and body relax.  I knew He knew about all of those things on my list.  Not only did He know, He already had an answer for each of them and my part was to simply trust.  As we navigate this time of war we don’t have to rattle off our fears to God.  He knows not only what’s manifesting but what is behind each manifestation.