In Other Words: Being Instant & Constant in Prayer

"When there is little awareness of real need there is little real prayer."
~ Donald S. Whitney ~ Spiritual Disciplines For the Christian Life

It is easy to pray when WE have tangible, felt needs. It is easy to pray when we feel like OUR hope is gone. It is easy to pray when OUR control has been snatched away. It is easy to pray when OUR hearts are broken. When things are going OUR way, it is easy to throw up a quick hand and a sweet little, "Thank you Jesus," and be on our merry way. However, have we ever stopped to ponder the difference prayer could make in the lives of OTHERS when we pray?

My heart has been so heavy with the recent rash of domestic killings. Just today I awoke to read about the Benoit murders, last week was the young expectant mother whose boyfriend murdered her and a few weeks ago Chris Vaughn took the lives of his wife and three children on the side of the road here in Illinois. There have been several other reports all leading to the same conclusion, families are under attack.

I suppose one of the most chilling aspects is that the majority of these families have been described as “model.” Neighbors, family members, and friends are all shocked at the events that have played out. Clearly they were wrong, clearly there was something happening behind closed doors that no one was aware of. "When there is little awareness of real need there is little real prayer." ~ Donald S. Whitney ~ No one knew, no one was aware, therefore, who was praying? Who was standing in the gap for these? Who was on their knees fighting for the family unit? If not us, then who?

Many Christians suffer from the unbalanced natural tendency to "be ready soldiers" only "at certain times, or only when we are riding the some spiritual or emotional wave. This Word says, "Be ready in season and out of season." (2 Timothy 4:2) The use of the word season in this verse does not refer to spring, summer, winter or fall; but rather it refers to our journey in this world as believers. In other words, we should "be ready" at all times, whether we feel like it or not. If we do only what we feel inclined to do, or only when things are going well, some of us would never do anything. That natural tendency pulls us into the trap that limits our awareness because our discernment is not sharp. My Bishop, Tony Miller has always said, “A swordsman never wastes time sharpen his sword.”

My prayer today is that I be awakened by the awareness that I must be instant and constant in season and out of season not only for myself, but for those around me. My desire is that I keep my discernment sharp so that I am keenly aware of what is happening in the spirit. Prayer is a driving force, however, it only works when we use it.

My Prayer: Lord, may I be one who stands in the gap unselfishly and diligently for your glory and the furthering of Your Kingdom!

Thanks Laurel Wreath for hosting this week! check our her site for more In Other Words!