Do You Believe in Prayer? Really?

Both God’s enemies and His children often make the same mistake— they underestimate the power of prayer.  As Christians, we put on false pretenses at times with regard to prayer. We believe, yet our actions tend to show more of an unbelief.  How often do we say, “I’ll be praying…” but then we do not really follow through?  Instead, we might find ourselves in other activities meant to alleviate, fix, or make the problem go away.  We gather all of our resources of knowledge, apparatus, money, and influence in this world to fight the battle.  Of course, there is nothing wrong with using any of these as long as they have been prepared, undergirded, and bathed in prayer.

Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed for some days (Nehemiah 1:4-11).  Hezekiah prayed on behalf of those who knew not to be cleansed, but set their hearts on seeking God (2 Chronicles 30:18-21). Daniel got down on his knees and prayed three times daily (Daniel 6:10).  Again, Daniel turned to the Lord and pleaded with Him in prayer, petition, fasting, etc. (Daniel 9:4-19).  From the belly of the whale Jonah prayed (Jonah 2:1-10).  Jesus prayed with His face to the ground (Matthew 26:39-41; Luke 22:42; John 17:1-26).

Have we invited and challenged God’s people to pray?  A Prayer Team during worship services?  A night and morning each week for Prayer Meeting?  Prayer Partners that join together, even over long distances?  We can be creative, but purposeful regarding praying.  Josiah, at the age of eight, began his reign as king.  He did not turn aside to the right or the left as he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and in humility before God and His Word (2 Chronicles 34:1-33).

Not sure what to pray for?  Pray anyway (Romans 8:26).  Afraid that you are praying wrongly?  Pray anyway (Jude 20).  Maybe you feel certain of what you are praying for.  Pray humbly (Psalm 131).  It is time to pray, God’s people, pray!  Our brothers and sisters may be saying, “I believe, help my unbelief.”  Will you lead them out of the underestimation of prayer and into an all-out onslaught of heaven’s gates?

Psalm 51:7-13, “… wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  Let me hear gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.  Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will turn back to You.”

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel