Prayer is powerful on so many levels. For one, it’s a conversation with the Almighty. Knowing that God hears when His children pray is encouraging. [2 Chr. 7:14; Jer 29:11-13] On top of that, Jesus is interceding before the Father. [Romans 8:34]But, it doesn’t stop there, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf when we don’t know what to say [Romans 8:26-27].
But, then, there’s the human side. Prayer reduces anxiety:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 4:6-7 ESV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1Peter 5:6-7 ESV)
When we fail to pray, we tend to take everything on ourselves, in our own strength. When we pray, however, we both draw upon His strength and leave our burdens at His feet.
So, next time you feel a busy week coming on, instead of cutting back on your prayer life, double it. Listen to Martin Luther’s perspective on a busy day: "I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." You may not need to take three hours in prayer, but don’t short change your prayer life! With the extra time in prayer, I suspect that you will find you have sufficient time for the demands that face you. Before all else fails, PRAY!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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