Embracing Eternity: Living Each Day with a Heart Toward Heaven. December 5: Continual Prayer Todays Reading: Matthew 6:9-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 Be joyful always; pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, NIV I ONCE HEARD of a deacons meeting that was steeped in controversy. The arguing had reached a fever pitch and no matter how hard they tried, they couldnt seem to come to an agreement on some key issues. After a long and heated discussion, one of the deacons suggested, Why dont we pray about it? Another man took a deep sigh and said, Has it come to that? Funny how often we see prayer as a last resort. When all other options have been exhausted, and no stone has been left unturned, we lean back in our chair and think, Maybe its time to take the matter to God. You never know; it might help. When all else fails, we might as well pray. We dont usually articulate it that way, but our actions spell out our feelings pretty clearly. Be joyful always; pray continually, writes Paul, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV). If we see prayer as a last-ditch effort during times of trouble—something of an emergency hotline—then thats all God will ever be to us. Our relationship with him will remain distant and fearful. Well look at him as a rich uncle that we only call when were in desperate need of help. But thats not who God is, and its certainly not how he wants us to see him. God is our Father. A loving and involved parent who wants to be an integral part of our life. He cares about every aspect of our day, no matter how small. Billy Graham tells the story of a young president of a company who instructed his secretary not to bother him during the morning hours of each day. He had a standing appointment that he refused to miss. One day the chairman of the board came to speak with him, and the secretary caught him at the door. He cannot be disturbed, she told the chairman. He has an important appointment. The angry chairman wouldnt take no for an answer, so he burst through the presidents door to find him on his knees beside his desk. He was praying. The chairman quietly backed out and closed the door softly. Is this usual? he asked the secretary. Yes, he does that every morning, she answered. As the chairman walked away, she heard him say under his breath, No wonder I come to him for advice. Reflection How would you describe your prayer life? How might God have you pray differently?
Posted on: Thu, 05 Dec 2013 06:11:22 +0000
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