Mandate of Prayer | Joy for the Journey
There is much to pray about these days, is there not?
So much of what I am praying about seems overwhelming … unchangeable … tenacious … and even ugly.
Afghanistan.
Hurricanes.
COVID.
Politics.
As I try to tackle these mountains of enormous consequence during my quiet prayer time, I wonder if I am crazy.
What power do I, as a 6o-something woman living in a small town in America, have over these massive events of the day?
Am I audacious enough to believe that God hears me?
Do I actually think that my whispered words can make a difference in wiping out evil … healing a nation … calming the storm?
Who in the world do I think that I am?!
I have no “seen” power in the affairs of the world … in weather patterns … or in political persuasion.
None. Zero. Nada. Zilch.
I’ve never run for political office … I have never reported the weather on a TV news show … I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV … and I have no seat on the United Nations.
Why do I think that my prayers are able to make a difference? Why do I “waste” valuable hours in praying for these epic events?
For that matter … why do I even take the time to pray for my family and loved ones?
Their personal, intimate needs seem just as ginormous and entrenched to me as do the needs of the nation and of the world.
I don’t know the cure for cancer … I can’t force my prodigals to love their mother … I don’t know the secret of earning a million dollars … I can’t get anyone a job … I am not a psychologist.
I don’t. I can’t. I’m not.
The glory of prayer is found in those words “I don’t. I can’t. I’m not”
Because He is!
“In the morning, Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will present my prayer to You and be on the watch.” – Psalm 5:3
Prayer is the most powerful posture that a man or woman of faith can take.
Prayer makes mountains move … causes nations to tremble … forces evil to flee … and commands disease to abate.
Why wouldn’t I pray? Why wouldn’t anyone pray?
“God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil. “— E.M. Bounds
God, the Creator of the universe, has requested that we partner with Him in making hell smaller … in healing sick bodies … in the ministry of reconciliation … in moving mountains … in calming storms … and in halting the forces of evil and darkness.
“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” – Martin Luther
There are certainly times and situations in which I wonder if my prayers are making any difference at all … but at those moments … I must remind myself that the Lord has commissioned me to pray.
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18
Paul and the Holy Spirit, in this above passage from Ephesians, calls the church triumphant to pray at all times.
Anytime you have a chance to pray .. you should pray!
You should negate other things from your schedule and spend time with the Father in prayer.
Every opportunity that you can possibly pray, you should pray!
No matter where you are or what you are doing, take the time to pray.
Seize time for prayer!
When you are tempted to give time to other things such as games on your phone, scrolling through social media, or binging on television … pray instead.
Prayer was never meant to be optional for a believer in Jesus Christ.
Prayer is not a mere possibility but it is an assured requirement.
Prayer is not one option on a list of multiple choice answers but it is the only answer!
Prayer is not a fleeting suggestion but it is a command to the believer in Jesus Christ.
“No time to pray? Had you time to dress? If you had purposed to pray, you would have prayed.” – Charles Spurgeon
The power of prayer is absolutely atomic and is able to blast to smithereens in one instant the plans and deception of the enemy.
Prayer is the strongest problem-solving power available to humanity and prayer is the winning blow!
“Prayer lays hold of God’s plan and becomes the link between his will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit’s prayer.” — Elisabeth Elliot
Without prayer, a believer is doomed to a life of uncertainty, futile wishing, and untouched power.
With prayer, a believer is able to change the course of history and to overwhelmingly triumph in Jesus’ Name!
“To pray is to enter the treasure-house of God and to gather riches out of an inexhaustible storehouse.” – Charles Spurgeon
So … why would I pray? Why should anyone pray?
Prayer is where the power is. Prayer is the petri dish of wisdom.
Prayer, quiet and unobtrusive as it may be, is the thunder roared by the generals of the earth.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Thanks for listening to my heart this week. As you know by now, my heart is truly not a perfect heart but it is a heart that is filled to overflowing with gratitude for the life I have been given and for the people who walk with me. And, it continues to be a heart that is relentlessly chasing after God and all that He is!
