Written by Christine Perry, a contemporary author.
A recent Pew Research Center poll of the frequency of prayer among Christians showed 68% of Christians pray daily. Living in an instant gratification society, we are not very patient and often give up when we don’t see the results we want. In DL Moody’s book Prevailing Prayer, he shares this story, “About 1,500 gathered for two hours of lively, focused prayer. Later, I asked Pastor Jim Cymbala why so many were attending the Brooklyn Tab prayer meetings when many other churches have canceled their prayer meetings for lack of interest. He answered, ‘You would also have a full church on prayer meeting night if your people actually believed that God answers prayer!'” When we face delayed answers, we tend to grow weary of praying. But, remember, the God we are praying to is the same God who: gave Sarah a son past child-bearing years, parted the Red Sea, brought forth water from a rock and manna from heaven, shut the mouths of lions, rescued three men from the fiery furnace, healed the lame, gave sight to the blind, and paid for the penalty of sin so we could spend eternity with Him. Is there anything too hard for God? No! When we pray, the power does not rest on our abilities. Instead, it rests on the character of who God is. And lest we forget, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). St. Augustine said, “If God seems slow in responding, it is because He is preparing a better gift. He will not deny us. God withholds what you are not yet ready for. He wants you to have a lively desire for His greatest gifts. That is to say, pray always and do not lose heart.” If you feel battle-worn and tired of prayer, take heart, it happens to us all. Scripture recorded when Jesus kept waking his disciples to ask them to pray. I don’t know about you, but I have been guilty of falling asleep instead of praying. Where do we find the strength to pray when we don’t see answers? Hebrews 4:14-16 says Jesus is a sympathetic High Priest who tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace. Friends, Jesus knows we will grow weary and tired. He doesn’t condemn us; instead, He prays for us and lives to make intercession (Hebrew 7:25). We are not alone in praying.
Prayer:
Written by Rebecca Barlow Jordan, a contemporary author.
I remember your great faithfulness in the past and am so grateful that you shower fresh mercy and grace on me each morning. I rehearse your goodness through answered prayer and personal reminders to me daily of your love for me. Even when I feel alone or distant from you, you draw me back into your presence when I purposely slow down and draw close to you. I treasure your Word and want to chew on the truths you reveal to me today. As I pull apart each piece and reflect on every principle and word of instruction, I’m asking you to guide me and teach me what you want me to know. Amen.
Pathways Press.com 