February 10th
February 10th
Ever hear (or say) this? “All we can do is pray…”
Too often we say that and we say it with an already defeated attitude as if praying for someone or something is second best and some how falls short; as if what we could do ourselves in person would be better if only it were possible.
We need to change our attitudes about prayer.
It is important. It works. It is necessary. It is commanded. It is how we fight our battles.
We should be saying instead, “All we NEED to do is pray…”
To grasp the importance and effectiveness of prayer, just read the Gospels. See how often Jesus went off to pray. HE knew how important and necessary it was to spend time in prayer. Jesus taught us to pray, not just by the example of the “Lord’s Prayer” but also his prayer in John that takes up all of chapter 17. Check it out, He even prays for you and I in that chapter (verse 20.)
Prayer affects us more than we realize. Jesus instructed His disciples to pray because He, being fully human, understood the weakness of the flesh.
Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Look, this gospel isn’t just a good story. It is truth that we need to take to heart and apply in our own lives…
When you read a verse about something that Jesus said you should ask yourself, “How does this apply to me/my life?” Chances are there is a way to apply it. Does Matthew 26:41 listed above apply to you and I? You Betcha! If you are breathing, it applies to you. So, let’s take prayer seriously. Instead of prayer being a last resort, let it be your first instinct, your first order of business. Let prayer be so frequent, that it becomes natural/second nature. Let’s quit thinking of prayer as settling for something less than the very best. There is POWER in PRAYER! Let’s start acting like it and talking like it!
We are commanded to pray continuously, without ceasing, for everything, in the Spirit, in faith, according to His will, believing for the answer.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
1 John 5:13-15 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Prayer is our first line of defense and our best offense! It is important. It works. It is necessary. It is commanded. It is how we fight our battles. It is a powerful, intimate, timeless gift that God has given to us to use and enjoy! Let’s do it!
Jesus, help me. Help me to pray more, show me how you want me to pray. Help me to make more time to pray. Help me to make it a priority. Help me to realize how important it is and remind me. Show me times and places that I can pray more than I do now. Show me our special place to meet and talk but also remind me throughout the day. Show me how to pray without ceasing. Thank you for wanting to teach me. Thank your for your perfect love and your perfect plan.