Prayer the Right Move

I leaped from bed, showered, and dressed in Olympic record time. A pressing issue needed my attention. My devotions could wait until my problem was resolved. Afterwards, I realized this was a wrong move.

Yesterday, I read this quote by John Eldredge and have been thinking about it ever since.

“Against the flesh, the traitor within, a warrior uses discipline. We have a two-dimensional version of this now, which we call a ‘quiet time.’ But most [people] have a hard time sustaining any sort of devotional life because it has no vital connection to recovering and protecting their strength; it feels about as important as flossing.

“But if you saw your life as a great battle and you knew you needed time with God for your very survival, you would do it.”

If I had taken time to do my devotions first, the pressing issue may not have loomed so large. God may have given me insight into the nagging concern. I could have proceeded with confidence. My experience made me determined to go to God first.

Paul penned, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT). Prayer is the right move in all matters.

Fuel Our Prayers

I recently read an article on prayer by Wayne Jacobsen, Director of Lifestream Ministries in Oxnard, California. He stated, "I remember praying through our finances, and though we had enough to supply our needs for the present, I was concerned about the long term. I trusted Him [God] enough for today, but kept praying that He would do something to take my anxiety away for tomorrow. But God didn't want me to trust in my savings or the state lottery for security, He wanted me to trust in Him."

Ever feel like Jacobsen? I have. As I have thought about this, I have concluded fear is the demise of prayer. Jesus said it this way in Matthew 21:22, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (NIV) Petitions of faith in God's love and confidence in His character will be more effective than those begging Him to relieve my discomfort. Let's fuel our prayers with trust rather than fear.