It amazes me that I have the privilege to stand in the presence of God and commune with him each day. The words of David often come to mind,
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” Psalm 8:4.
I do not come into His presence because I am worthy but because Jesus Christ is worthy! He has made Himself an advocate for me and “ever liveth to make intercession.” (Hebrews 7:5).
Romans 8:34 reminds us, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
I can come and dwell under in the prayer closet, finding rest, peace, and strength for my journey. But isn’t it amazing how we find so many excuses for not coming into the prayer closet? We say silly things like,
I have so much to do! I just don’t have time to pray!
I don’t know what to pray for?
I don’t believe God is hearing me!
Who is it helping anyway?
I wonder how many other people missed out on a blessing because we failed to pray for them? I wonder what we have missed because we believed the lie our prayers have not worked.
A.J. Gordon said this, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed; but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed.”
God wishes to show us great and mighty things if only we will call unto Him.
How does God move us to pray?
He Desires Us to Pray
The simple fact that the omnipotent, all-powerful, and all-knowing God desires to be personally involved in our lives should move us to our knees! “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” I John 3:1.
It humbles me to know that the God whom I often disappoint still desires to have my time and attention. He longs for our deepest desires--our greatest secrets.
He Demands Us to Pray
Prayer is not just a good practice but a required one for Believers. When God came to Jeremiah in a jail cell, He spoke in the imperative, “Call unto me…” It wasn’t a question but a command. Jesus said to His disciples,
“Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Jesus was teaching his disciples the importance of communing with God on a regular basis, as it was vital to their spiritual growth. Now I know what you’re thinking,
Why would a loving God make a requirement to pray? Doesn’t that seem a little much?
But remember, just because it is a command does not mean that He takes away your free will. He still gives you a choice. When God makes a command it is a test of obedience and loyalty. Faithfulness to the prayer closet is a reflection of your devotion to God.
How is your obedience in the area of prayer?
He Drives Us to Pray
Hard times mold us. They move us closer to the image of our Lord! Although painful and uncertain, trials break up the fallow ground of the heart and bring forth eternal fruit that redounds to the glory of God!
It’s in these precious moments of suffering that we are driven to the One whose touch can heal our broken heart and relieve the wounds that world deems incurable. Oh! thank the Lord that we can pray in the midst of the fire! His presence brings cool in the desert heat and warmth in the snowy winter! What a mighty God that moves us to pray--Who desires, demands and drives us to the prayer closet!
.jpg)
Comments