Persistant Prayers

Sometimes we treat prayer as something we do when we are in trouble.  Sometimes we try to "fix" things in our own power and strength. Then when that fails we turn to prayer.  We should have a better view of prayer.  When Jesus was walking on the earth He felt it very necessary to get alone with the Heavenly Father and call out to Him in prayer.  If Jesus felt that it was so important for Him to be in prayer during His earthly ministry how much more important it must be that we His followers should be in prayer as well.

The Lord wants to hear our prayers and concerns because He loves us.  He cares about what is happening in our lives each and everyday.  We must remember to pray and call out to the Lord with all kinds of prayers for everyone we know.  We need to be in prayer for those who are sick.  We need to pray for those in leadership roles.  We need to pray for those who haven't heard or responded to the Gospel message of  Jesus Christ.

During the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus gave, He said in Matthew 7:7-12,

"7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
                                                                                                        

8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."                  

We must continue to be persistent in our prayers to the Lord and not give up.  The Lord will always give an answer to our prayers, but the answer may not always be the one we want.  He may answer yes, no, or wait, but the Lord will answer our prayers in accordance to His will and purpose.

Sometimes our prayers are small and not very precise.  We like to us broad prayers that cover a wide area of concern.  For example we may say, "I pray for missionaries."  It is a good prayer, but it would be better if we would also name a particular missionary especially someone that is familiar to us or is from our state or country.   

I would just like to encourage you to pray and keep praying.  The Apostle Paul tells us to have an attitude of prayer and pray without ceasing.   We should come boldly to the throne of grace with all kinds of prayers and request.

Lord,

Forgive us for not coming to You in prayer as much as we ought to.

Help us to prayer in a more meaningful way that would bring You glory.

I uplift the missionary, Bill Clemmer, to You O Lord.

Supply his needs and protect him for all danger as he serves You in Africa.

Lead us and guide us by Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus Name we pray,

Amen.