Often, we go day-to-day without prayer. Prayer becomes an afterthought of the chaos of life, and we only do it when life becomes difficult. However, prayer should be utilized throughout every day because it helps to keep our focus on God. I was listening to a sermon at my church about prayer and it is a great reminder of what prayer is really about. Let me share with you this message that was given by my pastor, Eric Bentz http://cccardunal.org/about-us/staff/.
Prayer is not just something we should utilize when we are struggling. Prayer is like food, water, and air. Prayer is a necessity of life. It should be a part of our daily lives for five reasons.
1. We need prayer for spiritual warfare
What does this look like for a christian? Let's think about what Ephesians 6:10-17:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,"
It's the armor of God, and sometimes, Christians stop reading here. They have the armor of God, what else could they need? You guessed it...Prayer. Verse 18 say this, "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints"
Prayer is important because it is how we engage. We can assemble the armor of God, but we cannot forget about the batteries. We can be suited up for battle, but be left on the sidelines because we don't have prayer. With prayer, we can stand with God and where He wants us to be.
2. Prayer helps us to get through our fear
Philippians 4:4-7:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Only God can give us peace because only He knows what we are going through and he cares about us.
3.Prayer because it allows us to be watchful, to be awake, readies us to learn, and readies us to meet God.
Prayer helps us to not fall asleep and to resist the world's distractions. Prayer can help us be alert and it helps us to wait and see what God does next.
4. It is impossible to glorify God without prayer.
1 Tim. 2:1-4 tells us that prayer is for all people and it is pleasing to God.
5. Prayer helps us to Evangelize
Our mindset should be that the Lord can return at any moment so with that in mind we should try to bring people to God. God desires all people to be saved so why shouldn't we help in process? We are called to spread the gospel and this is how we do that.
My call to action for you would be to meditate on what prayer means and how this can/does effect your prayer life.
