The Gift of Prayer

"I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!" ~Isaiah 65:24

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." ~Matthew 7:7-8

"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." ~Ephesians 6:18

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." ~Philippians 4:6

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." ~Luke 10:2

The Lord has been teaching me a lot about prayer lately. He's been impressing upon me just how effective and important prayer is, and what a blessing and privilege it is. It is only because Jesus stood in our place, freed us from sin, and covered us in his righteousness that we are even able to approach the throne of God. We are so undeserving of this amazing gift. And to take it even further, Jesus tells us that we can call the One True God "Father". But prayer is not only a gift, it is our responsibility--it's what we're commanded to do. Instead of worrying, we are to pray. When a brother or sister is in need, we pray. We are called to pray for those who do not yet know our Father. And we are to pray for the spread of the gospel among the nations. And how are we supposed to pray? Persistently. At all times and on every occasion. In faith, believing. And the Lord, our Father, promises that He will hear and respond. God's Word is full of stories about the power and effectiveness of prayer. So why is it that so often we ignore this grace-gift called prayer? Why would we want to forego the opportunity to commune with God, to go deeper into His love, to be a part of His work in the world?

The Lord has given me much to be thankful for in recent days, but this is foremost in my heart: the gift of prayer. The undeserved kindness of our God to allow us to humble ourselves before Him, to bring our praise and thanksgiving and requests to Him. And He promises to hear and to answer. May I never again take this grace foregranted.