It’s been said that when God is about to do something great, he starts his people praying. His supernatural strength is available to praying people who are convinced to the core of their beings that He can make a difference. Skeptics may argue that answered prayers are only coincidences, but as Bishop JC Ryle once observed, "It's amazing how many coincidences occur when one begins to pray." For it is only when we have first spent time on our knees before God, that we will then be able to go and stand before people.“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:33-34)
The great evangelist of the 19th century, D.L. Moody, was once asked why a godly man such as himself would need to pray so much. He responded, "Because I leak." Moody means that all the blessings the Lord fills us with need constant prayer to keep our spiritual tanks topped off and full.
We as Christians are wisest and safest when we are on our knees in prayer. Why? Look at the title above. It is pretty hard to stumble when you are on your knees. Scriptures are very clear and consistent that Jesus was a man of prayer. The Gospels show us that Jesus’ natural response to any situation, be it crisis or decision, was to seek the Father alone in prayer. His earthly life not only lived out the practice of prayer, it was one of His most consistent teachings.
Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me;you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. (The Psalter 1928 BCP p. 378, Psalm 32:7-8)
We have a rich history, and an historic prayer book full of prayers and devotions that have been said by faithful Christians for thousands of years.
O GOD, the strength of all those who put their trust in thee; Mercifully accept our prayers; and because, through the weakness of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Collect: The First Sunday after Trinity. Pg. 188 1928 BCP)
This Lent, let God do something great in your life through prayer,
Be Prayerful
