September 8, 2018 - - Pray! Why? Find out.

Pray without ceasing...

I Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

And pray in the Spirit

on all occasions

with all kinds of prayers and requests.

Ephesians 6:18 NIV

These instructions are in the command form. Like there is an exclamation mark after them: pray! Perhaps one of the reasons we neglect to pray is that we don't have a sense of the heaven-moving, earth-affecting implications of our prayers.

"To clasp hands in prayer

is the beginning of an uprising

against the disorder of the world."

K. Barth

In prayer we are addressing the Judge of All the Earth. Our prayers are pleasing to Him because of His Son, Jesus Christ, by Whom our sins are forgiven. When we believe in Jesus we receive His righteousness. God call us His sons and daughters. The Holy Spirit prompts us to pray. It is the Spirit Who brings people to mind. Who shows us the terrible majesty and great, unlimited power of the Living God Who delights to hear His children praying.

Perhaps, before we post another diatribe against a world leader who is driving us crazy--we should pray.

Perhaps, before sending that text letting someone know exactly what you think of them--you could pray.

Perhaps, before going into the next round of arguing with your spouse, or co-worker, or partner, it is time to earnestly pray.

Spirit of Power, guide us in our Scripture reading so that we see the urgency of, blessing and great gift prayer is.

Jesus, by Whom, for Whom, and through Whom, all things are created, we bless Your Name for removing from us the curse of God against our sin and making us new inside and out.

Father in heaven, thank You for this mighty conversation called prayer! Blessing and honour, glory and power are Yours forever and ever!

God of mercy forgive us for our prayerlessness.

God of love prompt us to pray expectantly in every circumstance and insistently for all those You have placed in power.

God, in Whose image every man and every woman is made, before we speak a word, post another opinion, or rise to the bait which will lead to another argument, bring us to our knees in prayer. Change us. Charge this world with awareness of Your mighty glory and the splendour of Your Kingdom. In Jesus' precious, powerful Name we pray. Amen.