Needed: More Prayer

There are many reasons why we should be praying. The needs of the world are great, and we will never be at a shortage of things to pray for. We pray because God answers prayer. For many years I have kept journals of my prayer requests for myself and others and have checked them off as they were answered. God hears us when we pray. We draw close to him and are encouraged not to give up. We enter into his work when we add our prayers to those of others and his will is accomplished on this earth. We enter into his presence when we are quiet and listening. Jesus prayed-- a lot! If he needed to pray, we certainly do. But the number one reason to pray is that scripture tells us to do it. God doesn't need our help to get things done, surely. But we are told to pray.

Luke 18:1 says Jesus told them a parable to show that they "ought always to pray and not lose heart." I Timothy 2:8 says "I desire then that in every place the people should pray." I Thessalonians 5:17 says to "pray without ceasing." James 5:16 says, "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power." I Timothy 2:1 says, "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people." Pray all kinds of prayers for all kinds of people.

Charles Spurgeon has some advice on serious prayer, the kind Jesus prayed in the garden before his death. The all-alone-with-God, on-your-knees kind of prayer:

"Family prayer, social prayer, prayer in the church, will not suffice, these are very precious, but the best beaten spice will smoke in your censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears but God's. Jesus' prayer was humble prayer. He fell on his face to the ground. Humility gives us a good foothold in prayer. There is no hope of prevalence with God unless we abase ourselves that He may exalt us in due time. Jesus prayed, 'Abba, Father.' You will find it a stronghold in the day of trial to plead your adoption. Nothing can forfeit a child's right to a father's protection. Don't be afraid to say, 'My Father, hear my cry.' Observe that it was persevering prayer. He prayed three times. Cease not until you prevail. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

"Lastly, it was the prayer of resignation. 'Not as I will, but as you will.' Yield, and God yields. Let it be as God wills, and God will determine for the best. Be content to leave your prayer in his hands, who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold. So pleading, earnestly, importunately, yet with humility and resignation, you will surely prevail."

A message for us all: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6, 7.