Optional Prayer?

Prayer is powerful.

It really is!

But though I say that, does my life reflect that I really and genuinely believe that? Sometimes perhaps, but generally I'd have to confess no. If we say we wholeheartedly believe in that statement 'prayer is powerful', ought not our lives continuously and undeniably be not only interspersed with, but characterised by intimate and faith-filled communion with our heavenly Father?

So is it true that prayer is only for those Christians who have 'more faith'? Those 'spiritual' ones? Well let's hear what God says in His word - the Bible - regarding this matter of prayer. Is it an optional extra to the Christian life?

'Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.' (Col 4:2)

'pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.' (1 Thess 5:17)

'do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.' (Phil 4:6)

'Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chron 16:11)

These verses explain that it's not just what God expects, but what God commands all Christians to do: to seek God and His strength continually instead of walking in our own reliance, wisdom and strength. To pray relentlessly, passionately, regularly, humbly, and with thanksgiving. Wow. My endeavor isn't so much just to grow in prayer for my own gain and benefit - first and foremost it's to grow in obedience to my Lord in prayer. And to conform my life more and more to the image of Christ - who set us the perfect example of one who completely depends on our heavenly Father in prayer and submitted to His will and authority.

Here's our example in devotion to prayer - Jesus...

'And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.' (Mark 1:35)

I wonder how things would look different in our lives, churches, and the world around us - if it were true that Christians everywhere would confidently believe that prayer is powerful, and live out that belief in the pattern of their daily lives? 

It can start with me, and it can start with you.

We've been commanded. Let's pray.