There is a reason why I pray, but I am sure you have your own reasons as well. My reason is that I need God’s mercy when I fall, and that I need Him in my life. We are also instructed to look to the Lord in prayer in all that we do. Paul said, “be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6) “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17,18) So in two different verses, Paul the apostle has instructed the members of Christ’s church to continually be in prayer. We do this by confessing our sins, for calling upon God for answers, for forgiveness, and for certain things to happen in our lives and others. We do all this with thanksgiving and praises unto God. As I said, we must also remember to pray for others. As Paul said, “brethren, pray for us.” (1 Thessalonians 5:25) But how many of you are asking God to help, bless, heal, and be with others in prayer? Doing this is looking outside ourselves and loving our neighbor. And if we are praying for people, there must also be action. Meaning that we also go out of our way to do kind things towards people who are in need. We come to their houses, where they are on the streets, stores, and businesses, and do good unto them, for Jesus is in us. It is when we become more selfless is when our prayers are also about the welfare of others and not just our own needs. Even our needs will be more for the benefit of others, than ourselves.
As for me, I love to call out to God in prayer and to also call out to Him throughout the day in mind also. In everything I do, I am continually pondering upon what God would do and then reach out to Him. You see, prayer should never be set apart as a three times a day thing, for the times we eat, but also when before we go to bed, before or after Bible study, and throughout the day. If we did this, then every day the Lord God would be in our lives. There would not be a struggle to follow God’s commands, for He would be with us at all times. Even people we know would find strength in the Lord because of our prayers and because of our hospitality towards them. James said, “is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:13-16) And I pray that these verses and others will impact your life like they have mine. Then, will you begin to pray like never before, and not just for yourself, but others also. Even in the good times and bad will you give thanks unto God. And in doing so, God will answer you and bring about miracles in your life and in the lives you pray over.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will begin to start praying for themselves and others. That this desire to pray will be increased more than ever before. I love to pray and to know that You are so near. Surely, I have done some terrible things, but Your forgiveness and mercy are ever for me. Thank You, God. I wish every person would understand how merciful and kind You really are. You are always drawing us back when we fall into sin. You are slow to wrath and gracious to forgive us when we do return. Wow! What a great God You are. It is because You are so good to us that we know that You can build us up to do mighty things in Your kingdom. Even the Holy Spirit can do healings and other miracles in and through us. Therefore, I know that each time I call upon Your Name, I will receive answers and help for my needs. Even people who are near me and far distant will receive strength and comfort because of my prayers for them. We have been taught through Your Word to always keep You in our remembrance, and also the needs of other people, and I finally know why. The commandment to love You with all our heart, mind, and strength, means to look to You in faith, even in constant prayer and supplication. And we love our neighbor by not leaving them out of our prayer requests. Lord, we know that You can do great and mighty things through people who put their trust in You. I believe in You. I love You, my Lord Jesus. Keep me ever in Your presence. Amen.
