Oct
27
Not Optional
Filed Under Devotional
What is it about prayer that makes it so hard to do? It doesn’t involve confrontation. It doesn’t involve physical danger or pain. It doesn’t involve backbreaking labor. You don’t have to go anywhere or speak to any other human to do it. It doesn’t cost money or require a special room or special clothes.
Prayer is simply speaking to the God of the universe. Why would we rather do almost anything else? Why do we cut our prayer time short?
I’ve been convicted about this lately and had a moment of clarity that made me realize just how ridiculous it is that I can’t find more than fifteen minutes to pray in a day. I should be in awe that He even cares to speak to me. I shouldn’t be looking for ways to skip the conversation.
This would all be bad enough if prayer was simply God’s way of staying in touch. If prayer was simply that periodic call to your parents, I’d still be failing. But, it’s so much more than that. Prayer influences events and changes lives. Prayer is powerful.
So, my excuses sound just that much worse in that light.
When the apostles realized they needed to delegate the administrative responsibilities, they talked about how they would focus their efforts to be spiritual leaders. What did they focus on?
“Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:3-4
So, when they specialized their efforts, they focused on prayer and the Word.
The question should not be where we fit prayer into our lives, but how we can build our lives around prayer. I’m realizing that this is no longer an optional event that can grow and shrink to make room for other things. This is a simple requirement that I must consider foundational to my life. I have to make the other things fit around prayer.
I like Martin Luther’s attitude about prayer. He said, “I have so much to do today that I should spend the first three hours in prayer.” A busier life required more prayer, not less.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18