As we consider the condition of the world today, how can we not pray? Let me encourage each of us to make prayer our first response. Let’s turn first to the Lord before complaining or giving in to fear or despair. And, let’s continue in prayer.
If we as Christians would practice the truths in even the following six verses on prayer, we would see such difference.
- Be devoted to prayer. When you are devoted to prayer, things happen. Pray and then watch for what God will do. And, be sure to thank and praise Him for it.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Col. 4:2)
- Be willing to sacrifice in order to pray. The psalmist likens prayer to a spiritual sacrifice when he refers to it as incense. As such it rises up to heaven and fills the throne room of God.
“May my prayer be set before you like incense.” (Ps. 141:2a)
- Fully trust God as you pray. If you feel safe and secure with Him, such confidence will take you beyond the rote or token prayers to spilling out your guts to God.
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Selah.” (Ps. 62:8)
- Be in a constant attitude of prayer, praying for fellow believers everywhere. To have such a perseverance and passion in praying, you need help. Look to the Spirit of God who lives within you.
“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 saints.” (Eph. 6:18)
- Go on the offence as a prayer warrior. You cannot be pulled in so many directions that you fail to pray. Instead, purposefully plan to pray. Prioritize it into your busy schedule.
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so you can pray.” (1 Pet. 4:7)
- Don’t get discouraged if you can’t see results. Notice the small but encouraging word “is” in the following verse. Your prayer “is” effective — present tense. It doesn’t say might be or will be but “is,” right now, powerful and effective.
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b)
If the truths in these verses take root in your heart and are put into practice, you will begin to notice a difference in the way you process life. Even if the world around you doesn’t change the way you wish it would, you will be able to cope and be at peace. You will find renewed purpose as you work in cooperation with a Sovereign and Almighty God through prayer.
These six verses form the basis of 30 different devotions in the Prayer Bits Devotional. Each devotion contains a small bit about prayer based on one of these verses but conveys big truths that truly will make a difference.
Twitter
Facebook
friendfeed
Great devotional on prayer! I would like to use it for our prayer time in the office. Thanks!
Great! I pray the staff are spurred on to an even greater devotion to prayer as they serve our Lord.
I’d like to use it too. Do you have any requirements for using this material?
The intent of this material is to help people in their walk and service. I only ask that if you copy and print it verbatim that you include attribution. Click here for guidelines.
You are doing a great ministry to the Body of Christ. I will use this in our church prayer meetings. God bless you richly so.
Thank you. I praise God you will be able to use the material in your church prayer meetings. Be sure to check out the section on Prayer Ministry starting at http://mintools.com/prayer-ministry.htm if you haven’t already done so. Blessings!