09/29/2022
We say that we pray every day, and that might be true, but is our prayer a momentary request, or is it a fervent plea? Do we step into, and out of, our prayer closets unchanged by the experience of having knelt or laid prostrate before God? Are our prayers from the depths of our hearts and being drawn as if by a pump from the deepest wells of our souls? Once again, do we walk from our place of prayer a changed person, or simply pleased that we can mark this item from our list of tasks?
“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
1 Timothy 2:8 KJV
Great men of God do not get there by studying in their libraries, nor by spending their efforts writing sermons, or even by dedicating their energies to doing works, no, great men of God are molded by God’s hand from the clay of their prayers… and this takes time as their hearts are bared before the Lord, and their most closely guarded secrets and deepest fears are revealed to Him. It takes time to be still, and wait to hear God’s voice as he responds to our petitions, and for Him to lift us up at last, dry our tears, and send us into the world once more; changed by our time with Him. This is how Jesus prayed…
“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”
Luke 6:12 KJV
The great men of God in the Bible prayed in this way. We know that David prayed seven times a day because he tells us so…
“Seven times a day do I praise thee Because of thy righteous judgments.”
Psalm 119:164 KJV
and it was the time spent in prayer that landed Daniel in the lion’s den…
“Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God. Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction, “O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.””
Daniel 6:11-13 ESV
Great men of God are still formed today by prayer. Here are three recent examples… Doctor Martin Luther King prayed for at least three hours every day; Billy Graham prayed so often and so powerfully that it takes volumes to contain his prayers, and John Wesley rose at 4 every morning to begin his prayers, and he prayed for hours… so long that the carpet in his bedroom bore the impressions worn there by his knees… so how is it that we pray?
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Today let’s let prayer change our lives, let’s find those quiet times, and peaceful places where we can be alone with God, and where we can speak with him in secret of those things we are afraid, or reluctant to reveal about ourselves. Let’s come to the realization that being silent, and remaining still, are just as much a part of prayer as what we say. Let’s listen more than we speak, and wait on Him without walking away. Let’s turn to the Holy Spirit when we haven’t the words, and let him moan and make strange utterances through us that only our spirit, and God can understand. Let’s become great men and women of God by placing the clay of our prayers in the hands of God. Let’s not look only for glory, and fame, as a sign of greatness, but realize that even the most humble, the weakest of men, and those of lowly worldly stature, are made great when kneeling in the presence of God.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for allowing us to come before you, and giving us the gift of prayer. Thank you for the places and the times when we can kneel before you, and feel your hands molding us through our requests, our silence, our waiting, and our listening to your voice. Thank you for times, like right now, in which we lift up our prayers in thanksgiving, and open our hearts to you. Change us Father, transform us, and make us into the image of Christ. Work us with your skillful hands until we are works of art, and bring you glory. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God with whom we talk, walk peacefully in the garden, and sit in quiet repose. Praised be your name for every secret time we share together, and for the sweet smell of incense that lifts our prayers before you. Merciful are you who hears us when we cry, and dries our tears. Mighty are you whose right hand defeats our enemies, and brings peace to our land, families, and souls. We pray for the ability to be still in your presence, to remain silent as we wait for you to speak, and to be trusting in all you reveal to us. Wash us clean in the blood of your Son Jesus who taught us to pray, and find us worthy images of Him with no lumps, or flaws, in the clay of our prayers. Call us your righteous children, and welcome us to your table where we will thank you for your provision, and amazing grace.
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6 ESV
Rich Forbes