Day 15 of Prayer
It’s somewhat mysterious to us why an all-powerful God appointed prayer as a necessity for the manifestation of his works. John Wesley expressed this very thought saying: “It seems that without God man cannot, but without man God will not.” Incomprehensible as this system of prayer is, let us not sacrifice its effectiveness for the sake of reasoning. Instead, let us consider the saints who have been testifying of the power of prayer for millennia. My personal belief is that Heaven is activated in our behalf when we pray.
I feel compelled to believe in prayer on account of the fact that we have a God who is real, a God who rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6), and a God who not only commands us to pray but repeatedly instigates, incites, and urges us to pray. Would He tell us to pray if there was no commitment on his part to answer it? We know that his perfect character does not allow such misleading ways. So, I pray. And I pray expectantly.
Scripture places a connection between the ark of covenant and the altar of incense (Hebrews 9:3,4) in part to emphasize that the very act of prayer is like a pleasing aroma to God (Psalm 141:2) amidst the stench of indifference. The result of a prayer life is fellowship and closeness with our Creator. He designed us to seek his face with fervency and devotion. The King must be adored! And prayer is an expression of worship because it recognizes the ability of God to answer - despite the impossibilities categorized by man’s limitations. I persistently present myself before the King with faith-filled prayers because I believe He is able.
The relational aspect of our walk with God rests upon the mutual communication that often occurs by the reading of the Holy Book and praying. Prayer is the link that keeps our relationship with God uninterrupted. On a human level, prayer empties the soul from turmoil and pain. It releases worries
(Philippians 4:6). It’s a proper channel for emotions. It calls for authenticity (Psalm 51:6). I pray because like Peter I realize: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).
Prayer promotes surrender (Luke 22:42); prayerlessness feeds pride. Prayer strengthens the spirit (1 John 5:14-15). Prayerlessness weakens the inner man. Prayer calms the soul (Philippians 4:7); prayerlessness generates murmuring. Prayer conceives (1 Chronicles 4:10); prayerlessness aborts. Prayer stimulates provision (Matthew 7:11); prayerlessness causes lack (James 4:2). Prayer prompts miracle (Luke 1:13); prayerlessness perpetuates the ordinary.
As much as I’ve lived out this principle of prayer, I’m kept humble by remembering “that Jesus himself does it to this very day” (Hebrews 7:25). Pray! Run to the throne! There “you will receive mercy and you will find grace to help in time of need”(Hebrews 4:16).
Written by Kendali Freitas