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55% of Americans say praying daily is an essential part of their identity. Sixty-three percent say prayer is what makes them who they are. Since God is the One who created and sustains us, it makes good sense to acknowledge Him and live in ways that please Him. Many problems that seem unsolvable stem from ignoring God’s will and ways. The LORD told his people of old they were having economic and social instability because they failed to do things that would result in peace and prosperity. In Zechariah 8 God assured his people that once they turned from their self-centered living and gave Him their allegiance, they could expect His blessings. He said when you do this, “I will not treat the remnant of my people as I treated them before…” “I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you. The grapevines will be heavy with fruit. The earth will produce its crops, and the heavens will release the dew.” Of course, we know this is God’s promise to a particular covenant people at a particular time in history. Still, it shows that while God always reserves the right to treat His people as He sees fit, He often chooses to bless us when we consistently give Him first place in our lives.
