Weekend Words

Some devotionals on prayer this week.  And there is much going on in our world today to pray about...

 

From Be Still and Know...

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18

We are in a spiritual warfare.  Satan is a powerful foe and only God know how to carry on a successful warfare against him.  Someone has said that every spiritual battle is won or lost first in the prayer life.  We are too weak to meet the onslaughts of Satan alone.  In prayer we acknowledge our helplessness and our dependence upon God.  Through earnest prayer we stand victorious in the conflict.

Prayer is God's communication system between Himself and His children.  He knows how to carry on the warfare against our enemy.  He knows his tactics and strategies.  But we need to keep in close touch for His orders and assistance.

We are to PRAY ALWAYS - at all times, wherever we are, on our knees, when we are driving our cars, while waiting for an appointment, or when we lie awake at night - pray always.  First Thessalonians 5:17 reads, "Pray without ceasing."

We are to pray "with all prayer," all kinds of prayer.  Sometimes we just worship the Lord in prayer, other times we have to make a confession.  Sometimes our prayers are longer; other times the need is so urgent we have to send up a quick "SOS" prayer.  Requests must be specific.

Prayer to be effectual must be in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Often we are not sure how to pray; we do not know what is best.  The Holy Spirit will guide us in what we are to pray for.

We must always be alert to the tactics of our enemy, watching with all perseverance.  In many ways Satan tries to prevent our prayers - through weariness, neglect, forgetfulness, or business.  He even tries to convince us that we can be self-sufficient.

Then we are to pray for other believers - "all saints."  There is a great need to pray for each other, not only for those we know, but for ALL saints around the world.

Through prayer the armor is made effective and kept ready for instant use.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).

From Beside Still Waters...

Pray Without Ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Observe what the above verse follows.  It comes immediately after "rejoice always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16).  Has that command ever staggered you and made you ask, "How can I rejoice always?"

The apostle gives the answer, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  The more praying, the more rejoicing.  Prayer gives a channel to pent up sorrow, and it flows away in a steady stream of scared delight.  The more rejoicing, the more praying.  When the heart is quiet and full of joy, it will draw near to the Lord in worship.  A holy joy and prayer act and react on each other.

Now look at the verse that follows, "In everything give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  When joy and pray are married, the firstborn child is gratitude.  When we joy in God for what we have and in faith pray for more, then our souls thank Him for the enjoyment of what we have and for the prospect of what is to come.

These three verses are companion-pictures representing the life of a true Christian.  The middle verse is the link.  These three precepts are an ornament of grace to every believer.  Wear them for glory and beauty.

"Rejoice always."

"Pray without ceasing."

"In everything give thanks."