I Thessalonians 5:17 says that we should "Pray without ceasing." A very short verse but one that has a terrific challenge. It does not appear that this is just a "ho Hum" kind of challenge but one that requires strong action.My ESV Study Bible suggests "a mental attitude of prayerfullness, continual fellowship with God, and consciousness of being in his presence throughout each day." Wow! I need to work on this.
Do you realize God has to answer our prayers? He has no option. He cannot refuse. Read Matthew 18:19. But we have to do our part - we have to pray. If your "prayers' are hollow, hurried, kind of "oh by the way ..." - that's not what He is looking for. Read Acts 12:5 - 17.
The scripture above is one of the funniest stories in the bible. It really is, from start to finish. But does show you that God hears us when we are earnest in our prayers.
Max Lucado in his book Outlive Your Life, asks, when is the last time you were on your knees, begging, cajoling, pleading, pounding your fists on the floor, even shaking your fist toward heaven, confessing and reconfessing every sin and reciting God's promises as if God needed to be reminded. "Our passionate prayers move the heart of God" says Max. I really need to look at my "ho hum" prayer life!
9 comments:
"Pray Without Ceasing", AMEN!
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."
James 5:16 (NASB)
Peter - this is serious stuff - and I admit I have a very long way to go, but I will not give up. i am so glad that you and I can pray for each other!!
Good word tonight, Papa. I love the story... I can just imagine I would do the same thing... get all excited and forget to let him in. LOL
I too, am committed (re-committed) to having a spirit of prayerfulness.
Since our faith will be tested, hard, we do need to reinforce it daily, so it will be strong enough to when we need it to be.
Devoted, even Peter is dumb founded in this story! The angel even had to tell him to get dressed before he let the prison. I think Peter thought this was the end, after all they had just killed James.
Ed, you are right it is a daily part of our lives. Our faith can be tested unexpected and we need to be prepared - ahead of the game.
We can all get lax in the prayer department for sure, myself included! I always liked when I cleaned offices, I could talk to God all night long in private. We do tend to get all wrapped up and wound up and forget to bring God in to it. Lord help me not to forget!
Michelle - we get too "busy" - mama and I were talking this morning about the "distractions" the keep us from focusing on being Christ like.
Another great post Papa! When we need to be heard, we pray. When we need to hear, we read His word and listen. Thanks for calling us to a closer walk with the only One who can answer our prayers.
Prayer is so important and critical!! It has been a real challenge to me this week. I need to work on my prayer life.
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