by Peter Constant
DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME (the past two years), we have been immersing ourselves in prayer. We wanted to know, “Lord, what are we to do since churches have been closing? What are we to do because only a few people are allowed into the church?”—then eventually, “How do we get people to come back?” Our approach to ministry had changed somewhat.
A couple of years ago, two neighbourhood children came to our door. They wanted to say “Hi” and pet our dog. Eventually, they started coming almost every day. Then, Charlene started to read the Bible to them. Slowly, a few more children from the neighbourhood began to come. So, we decided to give them candy if they listened to the Bible story. Before you know it, our little children who were already coming started to invite more kids! Today, we have 24 children coming to our door. Yes, we know … they want the candy. But if they are hearing the Word of God, then it’s worth it! They learn Bible verses, and they receive prizes if they come a certain number of times and if they practice what they learned. None of this would have been possible if we did not take the time to pray and ask God, “What should we do during this time?”
God answered.
As First Nations people we were taught to be relational. The family dynamic is very important. We show the relational aspect to these children. We show them God’s love when we read to them and spend time with them—just as Christ would do!
He is our heavenly Father. When I pray to Him, I am aware that I am kneeling or standing before our heavenly Father. He listens to our requests and concerns. He hears us! This is Father and child time! Praying to Him is like “staying in touch” with our heavenly Father!
This is why we should pray.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we follow His example as He took the time to be alone with His heavenly Father. So, we should do the same.
Let’s examine some points together as to why we should pray.
- Prayer is a form of serving God and obeying Him.
2 Timothy 1:3 – I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. (niv)
The continuation of the example of prayer being “paid forward” by past followers of God is being emphasized in a continual ongoing prayer time. They served, obeyed, and prayed—and so should we.
- We pray because God commands us to pray, as well as for strength and the strengthening of others.
Ephesians 6:18-19 – 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 Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.
- Christ and the early church took time to pray (Mark 1:35; Acts 1:14; 2:42). Jesus took time alone to pray; we should also.
- We pray to find out His will and purposes.
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
The renewing of our mind is a work of the Holy Spirit. He transforms us and thereby grants us clarity as to what God’s will is. It may happen the same day or over time, but God does reveal His will to those who ask.
- Scripture gives us assurance of His power over the spiritual realm of darkness.
Ephesians 6:12 – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
- We pray for workers for the harvest.
Luke 10:2 – He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”
- Through prayer, God provides strength in our weaknesses.
Matthew 26:41 – Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
- God hears our prayers. He will answer accordingly with a yes, no or wait.
Matthew 6:6 – But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
- This is a special time — Father and child time.
Romans 8:26-27 – In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
- If we ask in accordance with His will, He hears us and answers according to His will.
1 John 5:14-15 – This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.
God has plans and purposes for each of us, those around us, and the world around us. Thy will be done, Father! Fellowship with our Father is a special time. He has much to tell us and show us. Pray and watch Him work in and through you.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray continually.
(from Northern Lights issue #558)