MONDAY April 22, 2024

Inspired Prayer

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:
Ephesians 1:15-16

Prayer has to be inspired––spoken from the heart. When we listen to Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus, we witness a prayer that was inspired. The word prayer in the Greek language means “communion” or “oneness.” When we enter into God’s presence to pray, it should not be a one-way communication with us always doing the talking. It takes two people to communicate. If we are the ones always talking, then how can God speak to us individually and show us what He wants for our lives?

Many times after we have concluded our prayers, we leave thinking that we have sat down with God, pleaded and begged, and have been successful in prayer. Again, prayer is a two-way communication where we are to listen to what God is saying to us. As we pray, we must wait upon the Lord for His answer. He speaks to us through His Word.

Did you know that prayer is not always asking? Prayer can be a time of thanksgiving or taking time to intercede for others. You see, prayer is not always the position of bended knees; it becomes the position and attitude of your heart before the Lord. That is what really counts.

The prophet Samuel had a strong conviction in his heart about prayer. He made an important statement for us to consider: “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way” (1 Samuel 12:23). Every child of God needs to learn to pray; it is not to be neglected. In the sight of God, failing to pray is a sin. As Christians we must devote much of our lives to prayer (Colossians 4:2). Understand, prayer to the soul is like oxygen to the lungs; we cannot survive without it.

Again, prayer needs to be inspired. However, the Word of God is also inspired: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness... (2 Timothy 3:16). Always read God’s inspired Word with inspired prayer.

Neglect of private prayer is the locust which devours the strength of the church.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!