06/03/2024
Prayer is indeed central to our lives as Christians, and should be included in every breath we take. It is the essence of our relationship with the Lord, and the vehicle by which we touch Him, and he touches us as well. The apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Thessalonians just how often we should pray, and a bit about what should and shouldn’t be included in our prayers.
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 KJV
In reading my devotional message this morning I was thrilled by not by how EM Bounds not only voiced his support of praying continuously, but taught a wonderful lesson on what prayer is, and does for us. In just a few words, he laid out nine thoughts regarding what prayer is for us:
1. It distinguishes the children of God.
2. It is the infallible mark and test of being Christian.
3. It is habitual, but much more.
4. It is a duty that rises above the ordinary.
5. It is the expression of a relationship with God.
6. It is the flow of the soul towards its original fountain.
7. It is a statement of the soul's origin.
8. It is claiming sonship.
9. It links man to the eternal.
My earliest memories of praying as a child were at meal time and bedtime, but through the years those memories grew, along with my faith, until at last they reached a state of near constant communication with the Lord and Jesus Christ. Prayer should encompass every aspect of our lives and grow until they become inseparable from how we are living.
Praying as we follow Jesus, and walk with God, is much like holding a parent's hand as you stroll along with them. When you first take their hand you think about how it feels, how smooth or wrinkled it is, how comforting it is, and how much you love them, but as you continue to walk and speak with one another, there comes a point in which you no longer consciously think about the fact that you are holding hands... you have become more absorbed in enjoying each other's company along the way. You never release each other’s hand, but the physical act of it becomes less obvious to your conscious self; while the relationship it fosters grows stronger.
Continuous prayer is like that; we begin by praying out of habit and obedience, then it develops, along with our faith, to the point where our prayer life extends into nook and cranny of our lives, until it reaches the point of silent expression as we walk the way, enjoying our relationship with the Lord, and feeling the comfort of an all-inclusive and unfailing love. Prayer becomes our life, and our life becomes prayer.
This morning as we begin our day in prayer, let's ask God for the wisdom and faith that will lead us to a deep and meaningful walk with God. Let's enjoy the warmth of His hand until we lose our conscious selves and breathe each breath in prayer and worship with Him. God is with us always and our communication with Him should fill every moment of our day and lives. Sometimes it is offered through the silent nuance of a simple glance that conveys our thoughts, while at other times we speak in words, or groans, as we communicate our needs and desires.
I will end my message this morning by praying upon you a blessing which concludes First Thessalonians...
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
Prayer:
Father, thank you for all that prayer means to our relationship, and our lives with you. Thank you for this avenue by which we can not only tell you our problems and seek your help, but by which we can have intimate and life altering/enhancing discussions regarding our faith, living righteously, and how you are a part of everything we do, and are. Help us Lord to humble ourselves in prayer as we seek you in all things large and small. Never let our pride, or self-absorbed nature keep us from coming to you in prayer. Hold our hands Father and walk with us through life. Let us feel your gentle touch coupled with your strength as you guide us through every hardship, and lift us up in all our joyous moments. You enhance each aspect of good in our lives Father, and give meaning to every lightning strike and damaging wind in the storms we encounter. Great are you in all things, and always, so it is that we should seek you in them… all things, and always. You know our hearts, but now we want to speak them to you Abba so that we feel physically what our souls already know spiritually… that you are there, you are with us always, and that you answer our prayers. Praised be your name Lord Father, and in prayer we ask all things of you so that in everything that you provide, and in all of our lives, we can give you thanks, and glory forevermore.
Amen!
Rich Forbes