Most of us struggle with prayer. Even though we may have good intentions to start every day with prayer, sometimes our days blur by so fast that we forget to pray or make a mental note to pray later. When later comes, assuming that we remember at all, we rush through our prayers with hollow words. What do we find so difficult about prayer? Simply put, there are a lot of variables in prayer. There’s no dress code, specific location, or correct wording prescribed for prayer. No one is looking over our shoulder to make sure we’ve said our prayers. In short, no one holds us accountable.
Colossians 4:2 tells us, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Powerful yet simple words. We don’t need fancy words or formal language to pray. We pray from exactly where we are spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Real words about real life.
A vibrant and active prayer life teaches us without a doubt that God resides in the details. Scripture is clear that everything can be affected by prayer (Mark 9:23, James 5:16). God’s plan for His kingdom and eternity will happen exactly as He has planned it. However, there are variables in how that will be accomplished. That’s where prayer and faith play an active part. When we continually believe that all things are possible through Him and live that out loud through faith, incredible things can happen for His glory.
Philippians 4:6 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Pray about everything? Absolutely. Without being anxious? You bet. Do you remember when Moses went upon Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the law? In his absence, the Israelites committed a grievous sin by making a golden calf. God determined to destroy them, but Moses did not get anxious. He began to pray.
Chances are Moses did not approach God for this prayer calmly and quietly in a serene pose with his hands neatly folded in his lap. This was a fervent, desperate prayer with passion, emotion and conviction. The result? "Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened." (Exodus 32:14)
God listened and was moved to compassion. Sometimes our situations seem so out of control that we can’t even see straight to pray about what we truly need. Those situations drive us to our knees before the One who has the power to do something about it. We may not see how our situation can possibly change, but if our requests are biblical and line up with God’s overall plan, anything is possible.
Prayer transcends into the supernatural realm. When we pray in the name of Jesus, our prayer does not merely contain words. Those words are backed by the power of the Most High. Satan’s schemes and temptations are thwarted by the prayers of an honest heart and faithful confession (Matthew 26:41). We cannot physically see the powers at work against us, but God can. He sees the ambushes of the enemy just around the corner that we cannot. He lines up our protection and direction when we line up for prayer.
Drawing close to God in prayer on a consistent basis is vital to our spiritual health and Christian walk. Only through consistent, honest prayer are we able to live the abundant life of freedom with the One who created us, breathed life into us, and loves us like no other. Giving God custody of our details makes all the difference in the world. Putting prayer back at the top of our impressive “to do” lists is our calling and great privilege.
It’s time we take a stand … to kneel.
