March 07

His Awesome Gift of Prayer

… in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6b (NAS)

Have you ever been in a meeting you just wanted to end? You know the kind. They go on and on, but you need to be doing something else? I was in one of those meetings recently. And just when I thought it was time to wrap things up, the leader smoothly transitioned into an extended time of prayer. “What are your prayer requests?” was followed by twenty minutes of sharing personal and ministry needs.

As we began to pray, I groaned inside and thought of what I was giving up. I wasn’t happy! Then the Spirit seemed to give me a sharp elbow. “Hey, these people are praying for YOU. How many times can you get seven or eight serious minded Christians together to plead with God to heal your son, or help with your business, or make your life and ministry more effective? Wake up and smell the roses, buddy!”

After His strong nudge, my whole attitude changed. In my mind, I confessed my sin of selfish-impatience and then entered into a beautiful conversation with our loving Heavenly Father. It was great!

So, let me ask you, when was the last time you looked at prayer as a privilege … and prayed that way? If it’s been awhile, why not start today? Why not now?

Father, thank You for this awesome gift. Teach us to pray, give us hearts that want to talk with You, and hear our words today. Amen.