How many recognize the significance of prayer in both our individual lives and in the Christian church as well? It is a strong possibility that failure to consistently spend quality time at God’s “Throne of Grace” will result in “spiritual bankruptcy” at times.
Essentially, prayer is the vital link between Almighty God and His children. The activity of prayer must be “a way of life” for the individual believer and the Christian church as a whole. Remember, individual saints make up the church of God.
The Scripture says: “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). The “righteous man“ refers to the person who has faith in God and whose life is aligned with God’s will and purpose.
Do we not feel nauseated by the quagmire and filth initiated by godlessness, sexual immorality, greed, corruption, dishonesty, lies, and “political correctness” in today’s society?
May we never reach the stage where we become complacent and lack concern for people to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ because of our indifference and lethargy toward prayer. When last we prayed like this: “Spirit of the living God, grant me a renewed outpouring of your presence and power in my life today and always.”
“We will only advance in our evangelistic work as fast and as far as we advance on our knees. Prayer opens the channel between a soul and God; prayerlessness closes it. Prayer releases the grip of Satan’s power; prayerlessness increases it. That is why prayer is so exhausting and so vital. If we believed it, the prayer meeting would be as full as the church.” (Alan Redpath, 1907-1989).
Billy Graham once said, “To get our nation on its feet, we must get on our knees. Society will continue to go to hell without our total commitment to prayer.”
Prayer is our greatest resource for a spirit-filled Christ-centered life. The apostle Paul wrote: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).
Unless God’s people are sincere about prayer and devote time to this godly exercise, the Christian church will not experience a tremendous visitation and outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In other words, no meaningful revival will result.
The first stanza of an ancient hymn reads: “What various hindrances we meet In coming to a mercy seat; Yet who knows the worth of prayer, But wishes to be often there.” (William Cowper, poet and hymn writer, 1731-1800).
It is impossible for a Christian to truly love God and yet give only lip service to prayer.
Someone has rightly said, “Little prayer brings little blessing. Much prayer brings much blessing.” Fervent prayer will always require time and effort.
The Christian church, that is, the people of God, should keep in mind that prayer is a great resource for help in witnessing to others about the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says: “Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church” (Acts 12:5). As a result, Peter became a free man. God works through prayer.
Note these words in the text, “earnest prayer to God by the church.” Here is a good example of what can be achieved when the church prays. It is also important that local churches worldwide maintain regular “prayer meetings,” which have proven to be effective.
The LORD has declared: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).
In this prayer, God promises His people that He will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land. God keeps and fulfills all His promises. We can count on it.
Let us therefore be encouraged and inspired to lift up holy hands and seek God’s face in heartfelt prayer with thanksgiving and praise to Him at all times.