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).
7 comments:
I'll be really honest here. I agree with everything you said, but after months of praying for relief yet only getting more garbage piled on top, it's hard to keep going and maintain hope. So I'd welcome any prayers.
Well done, Craig. On my blog post encouraging people to pray, you've encouraged me to pray. I will ... for you.
When I consider the instruction to “pray without ceasing,” I interpret it (in alignment with the other Scripture you quote and others) as “be inclined to talk to God at all times,” “do everything during your day with God on your mind,” or “respond to everything that comes up with appeals to God.” It’s a mindset of walking (and talking) with God throughout my day--whether the mundane, routine things I encounter or the more momentous, life-changing events that arise. It’s the principle behind this little sign in my office:
Happy moments … PRAISE GOD
Difficult moments … SEEK GOD
Quiet moments … WORSHIP GOD
Painful moments … TRUST GOD
Every moment … THANK GOD
Indeed, every waking moment of my day falls into one of those first four categories and warrants communion with the Lord of all of those moments. As you say, the Holy Spirit, who indwells me, will lead me to “[c]onfess sins, give thanks, intercede for others, make requests,” as well as seek forgiveness, guidance, wisdom, and strength. I certainly need all of that all of the time.
Craig, I will pray for you as well. Actually, as it happens, I have been praying for you (and Marshal et al) and saw an answer to that prayer at your blog just yesterday.
I see it in a similar way. Not a constant dialog necessarily, but a constant awareness of Him and a constant attitude of a "conversation" with Him even if it isn't always conscious.
Thank you both
Indeed! I see this practice of being prayerful as an outcome of being filled with the Spirit and having the mind of Christ. Jesus was always mindful of doing the will of His Father and did everything during His earthly life in view of it. I too should go through my day seeking the will of my heavenly Father--i.e. constantly praying and asking, “what is God’s will for me in this moment?” The leading might be “extend grace,” “share truth,” “forsake this path,” “be content,” “offer to help,” “change your attitude,” “resist this temptation,” “persevere in doing good,” “receive forgiveness,” “practice faithfulness,” “seek healing,” “do not love the world,” “flee idolatry,” “guard your heart,” “bless others,” or another God-honoring directive. A constant desire and effort to seek and obey God’s will should fill my day; thus the need to “pray without ceasing” as well.
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