Pray

Jesus said, "I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt 5:44). That's kind of tough, isn't it? Certainly not natural. But ... I don't think it's the hardest command regarding prayer. I would think the hardest command would be, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17). Really? Pray without ceasing? Come on. Be reasonable. Well, the more we know about prayer, the more reasonable that is.

Jesus used parables with His disciples "to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart" (Luke 18:1). Paul wrote, "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving" (Col 4:2). James wrote, "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (James 5:16). John assured us, "This is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us" (1 John 5:14). Broad, sweeping terms. "At all times." "Continue steadfastly." "Can accomplish much." "Ask anything." So in the first church, we find they "with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer" (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:42). Devoting themselves. James wrote, "You do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:2).

Here's a very interesting note. Paul says, "We do not know what to pray for as we ought" (Rom 8:26). Really? We don't even know what to pray for? Yes. Fortunately, the rest of that verse says, "The Spirit Himself intercedes for us." So ... pray. It is commanded and effective. It exceeds our own ability to ask. It provides many benefits and is a matter of not merely need, but obedience. Confess sins, give thanks, intercede for others, make requests, just ... talk to God. "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people> (1 Tim 2:1).