Prayer: a daily privilege

How important is prayer in the life of a Christian? The answer may be found when you consider how difficult it is to have a consistent prayer life. It has been said, “the greatest lack in all our life is the neglect of prayer”

I must first say, I fall short many times of what I believe my prayer life should be but I trust in His enduring mercy which motivates me to keep it a priority in my life.

I know firsthand that my becoming a Christian in the spring of 1980 was directly due to the prayers of my oldest brother. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” James5:16b

Because of his burden my brother was able to see six of my brothers and sisters saved through prayer. We were then shown where we might grow as Christians and got planted in the right kind of church.

My husband and I were saved a few months apart so we were able to learn the importance of church attendance, Bible reading, and prayer. It was in those early days that I was taught that a personal devotional life was critical to my spiritual growth. This proved to be invaluable as I had so much to learn about Christianity and to help me live this new life in Him. I had no idea then of the journey the Lord had for us, leaving Iowa, going to Bible College, pastoring for three years, and now for these many years serving here at Marion Ave. Baptist Church. Along this journey there have been countless blessings and great joy as well as times of discouragement and sorrow. Through it all I believe that it has been the daily privilege of prayer that has enabled me to weather the storms, praise Him for His goodness and trust that He knows what is best for me even when I ask why.

For years I have had my devotions in the morning inspired by His Words…

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up (Psalm 5:3). “Cause Me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning for in thee do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto thee (Psalm 143:8)

What better way to start your day than with someone who loves you, cares about you and wants to share this time with you. He already knows what is on your heart but He desires to hear from you. Its unthinkable that we could go through a day without His wisdom and direction, praying about everything!

What has also been a blessing to me personally in my devotions is using a prayer journal. Writing the names of people, I love and the needs of each one keeps the burden fresh in my mind. I could never remember it all! Then to read all the answers over time is such a motivation and increases my faith!

We can have confidence as we claim promises from the Bible that we can come boldly with our requests, needs of others, anything that is important to us! “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me! Psalm 138:8a

No better use of the time each of us is given daily than spending part of it with the only One who can forgive, comfort, instruct and encourage us through the day ahead. You say I’m too busy, I’ve messed up, I’m not worthy; … “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.” They are new every Morning…Lam 3:23

He’s already there, waiting for You!