This last week has been one that created some anxious moments. Why, you may ask?
The well-being of some of our friends has been thoroughly tested, and it has made me realize, even more than ever, how important prayer is—or should be—in the Christian’s life.
When we, or others in our Christian circle, are in need, what should be our first reaction? Prayers of thanks are important too.
PRAYER:
Before we even know what to do, prayer should lead the way.
First, let me ask the question: What is prayer?
Here are some thoughts from this old guy. I see prayer as a line of communication between the Christian and our Heavenly Father.
Communication is common to us humans, but do we apply that principle to our relationship with our Lord and Saviour?
Oh yes, I know, when someone is in need of help we often throw out the phrase, “I’ll pray for you.” Is it just a phrase, or do we really mean it?
I PRAY we do. And that we pray.
Prayer actually covers a lot of things: honesty, a personal dialogue with God, confession, gratitude and requests.
Scripture tells us that prayer is not an effort to please listeners when we pray in public, but an effort to be humble before God and man in thanksgiving and in making our requests known.
In Matthew 6:5–8, we are encouraged to pray in secret, quietly in a room alone, particularly when it comes to personal requests and information.
Our public prayers in services, etc., should be honest, sincere and simple. No need for big words or repetitions, but simple terms, because our Father knows what the issues are before we even pray.
In Luke 18:1–8, we see the parable of a judge “who did not fear God nor regard man.”
(1) Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, (2) saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. (3) Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’
(4) And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, (5) yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”
(6) Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. (7) And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? (8) I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:1–8 (NKJV)
However, a widow seeking help from the judge persistently came before him until he granted her request. Jesus then used the story to teach that God hears those who continually petition Him with their needs and requests.
That’s how our prayer should be: faithful, continuous and sincere.
Finally, in Mark 11:24 we read:
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
Mark 11:24 (NKJV)
In simple terms, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us:
“Pray without ceasing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)
I would follow that up with verse 16:
“Rejoice always.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NKJV)
And verse 18:
“In everything give thanks.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV, excerpt)
We are all living in a day and age when, for Christians, prayer is the only answer. After the prayer, God will guide.
The world itself has become anti-Christian and anti-God, yet often after a tragedy our leaders will invoke prayer and invite prayers to be made on behalf of the victims.
All very interesting, but it does not diminish the fact that, as Christians, our faith is based on prayer and supplication.
AMEN
| Jack Peake braerdgospelchapel@gmail.com |
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