Why does Katie like prayer so much?

This question was asked to my dad – of all people, and then he later passed it on to me.  Initially, I laughed about it and was pleasantly surprised by the forwardness of the individual.  Yet, when I actually paused to think about it, I realized that the question is completely legitimate to ask.  

I haven't always been so into prayer.  I knew prayer was important, and I needed to do it in order to spiritually grow; however, I didn't see the relevance or effectiveness of prayer in my own life for the longest time.  This all changed during the week of July 3-11, 2010.  

The week in July was when I was asked to lead HSMT in prayer while in Arizona.  I apprehensively took on the role, but I was full of doubt and questions.  How would I have been able to lead a group of high schoolers in prayer?  What did it mean to be a prayer leader?  What made me equipped to fulfill this role?  How could I lead effectively when I knew ABSOLUTELY NOTHING?  Thankfully, in my insecurities, that was when God was able to glorify Himself.  “For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but You are strong,” 2 Corinthians 13:9a.  

In Arizona, I realized two significant things (among many):

        1. Prayer works

        2. Prayer is powerful

In the week of interceding for the Navajo, leading prayer times, having numerous chit chat/prayer times with the high schoolers, and observing our youth initiating prayer with one another on their own accord, I could not help seeing prayer as the answer to any situation we came against.  This was the first time that I witnessed a direct correlation of our prayers to the events that transpired during the missions trip.  

Following the week, prayer became more and more of an infatuation and addicting to learn about until 2012 when I realized that empowering the youth to pray can lead to a change in our world.  Prayer is the only avenue that can move God's hand in our world.  Imagine if ALL the youth in your generation were completely enamored with God, active prayer warriors, and persistent in their prayers!!  How would our world look today? 

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1: 7