The Privilege of Prayer

“Say to this mountain, be removed . . and not doubt in your heart!” Mark 11:23

The power of faith is the essential partner to the privilege of prayer.

My thoughts and comments today are about “the privilege of prayer.”

Ever wondered why something that costs you nothing, takes as little or as much time as you choose, and can be done anytime or anywhere, but still finds few people who regularly take advantage of its opportunity and possibilities? I have wondered. Why do we all pray much less than we could and should? For amazing things to happen, all God requires is that you pray and believe. Prayer is a high and holy privilege.

I wonder about the apparent indifference and frequent neglect of prayer. Do we think we can handle life by ourselves? Are we not convinced that praying makes any difference? Do we save prayer and faith for only those really bad things, really big things? Your answer to those questions may expose the problem. Imagine having a trusted friend who wants and waits to talk with you whenever you need, yet you rarely approach them when you really need help. Sadly, many do that to God.

A lot of excuses are made for not praying – busyness or not knowing how or what to say. But are those reasons or excuses? A person makes time for what they think important or beneficial. Conversing with others never seems to be a problem, and prayer in its simplest form is honestly conversing with God, then listening for His impressions within your heart.

I think the real issue may simply be a failure to trust that God hears, that God cares, and that God will act on your behalf. Prayer is normal and natural to the way that God created you; you have the need for companionship and communication with your Creator, your Father. The Bible’s wise counsel is simple enough, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT.

Prayer is the means God gives you to personally experience His nearness, to communicate your love, thankfulness, desires, needs, or questions, and to see His caring and faithfulness in your life and situations. Jesus assumes you would appreciate the powerful, practical privilege of prayer. God’s expectation is forthright, “Pray without ceasing . . men should always pray, and not give up [doing so].” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV/Luke 18:1 NIV.

The power of faith is the essential partner to the privilege of prayer. The Bible inseparably connects those. “Assuredly, whoever says to this mountain, be removed . . and does not doubt in his heart! . . when you pray, believe. .” See Mark 11:22-24 NKJV. “He who comes to God must believe . . He is the rewarder of those who seek Him.” See Hebrews 11:1/6 NKJV. Believe in Who God is – powerful, faithful, wise, caring, and compassionate.

Practice prayer to know God’s heart and trust His will and wisdom for you, not just believing that God will give you whatever you wan whenever you want it. Is that really how you expect prayer and faith to work? I think faith is the very practical sense of trusting that God will give you what He knows is best for you and serves His purpose in yours and others’ lives. Read 1 John 5:14-15 NIV.

My prayer for you today is to seek every occasion to draw closer to God in prayer.