Prayer

Have you ever told someone you would pray for them? Did you do it? And if you did was it a fleeting thought type prayer or a down on your knees praying? Did you wield the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and is so powerful when used in prayer? Lots of questions...

I am asking all of this to myself as well as to you.... Yes, if I tell you I will pray I mean it. However, depending upon what I deem to be the seriousness of the matter... it may be just that a prayer quickly said or one where I am speaking the Word, on my face and humbled before the Lord. I do believe that in either case the Lord hears my prayers... However, I do believe it is more honoring to God when we are bowed before our Lord and are focused in prayer. Someone once said that our posture in prayer can be an indicator to our heart and where we see ourselves before our God. Maybe that is true.... I do believe that the Lord is thrilled when we come to Him, when we seek Him, when we desire to talk with Him & especially listen ... When we draw near... so if you are praying as you walk or sit or drive or kneel - you are praying! You are staying continually in tune with the Lord.

What I am getting at more hear is about how we feel about prayer and think of it in our heart of hearts... Do we believe that God is listening? Do we believe that prayer is powerful? Do we believe that God cares and answers? Are we awed and humbled that we can speak to our Lord and Creator!? Is there reverence, love, respect, honor... do we cherish it? And even more do we believe that prayer can make a difference?

Recently, some thing has happened that made me think about all of this... and along with that two of my daily scripture verses have been as follows (I want to put them in two different versions and you will see why):

Ephesians 6:18-

(NIV) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

(NASB) With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints

Colossians 4:2-

(NIV) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful

(NASB) Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving

As you can see we are to pray at ALL TIMES in the Spirit! Which of course begs the question are you abiding - are you abiding in Christ? Are you letting the Spirit have His way in you so to speak? At all times?

It also brings to mind that big or small (in our mind) God wants to hear it all! He wants to show up and be very much a part of your life - in the little daily things as well as in the big ones. In all circumstances should He be glorified! In the NIV it says be alert and in the NASB it says be on the alert (with all perseverance & petition)... does that speak to you? Be alert when you pray, and/or be on the alert - the alert from what? From the enemy, from our flesh... & be focused, devoted... persevering and continually praying for whom? Our brothers and sisters in Christ. Wow, do we ever need it!

I find that it says persevering to be of interest... indicating that in our view persistent prayer might not always be easy?! Do we tire of praying continually? Do we feel as if our prayers are not being heard or answered? That it might be hard to pray at times... because of circumstances, hurts - because we are to pray for our enemies...? Yet to preserver means we must press on, in effect triumph over these things and continue to pray - continue to honor God, to see Him glorified, to believe, to walk by faith and not by sight, to be blessed!

To be devoted to prayer - devoted! What does that mean to you? Not just getting up early to pray, or so on ... but in your heart is there devotion? Not a ritual but joy... that you have thankfulness, praise no matter your circumstances. When you pray do you REALLY believe that you are speaking to the LORD - the Creator of the heavens and the earth; the giver and sustainor of life - the One who came wrapped in flesh and died for our sins, to reconcile us (in Christ) to Himself? Is there even the remotest part of you that feels as if your prayers are just floating in air... and are not heard? If so it is a lie of the enemy! God is listening!!! For one such reminder just take a look at the verse heading the top of my blog... there are so MANY MORE! Search them out for yourself and claim them!

I just want to encourage you to continue, to preserver in prayer being watchful, on the alert, with an attitude of thanksgiving... bring glory & honor to the Father & being as one in the Body of Christ. Be devoted in prayer and always keep on praying for the saints (your brothers & sisters in Christ)!

There is great power in prayer! Go forth mighty prayer warrior - putting on the full armor of God and praying at all times!!!