Deployed: Encouragement While Serving In Harm's WaySample

9-Line

Ever heard of calling in a 9-Line?  If you’ve been through combat training, then you’ve most definitely heard of it.  It’s the 9-step process for how to call in a MEDEVAC if someone has been injured.  It’s essential to know if you ever go out on a patrol, convoy or even by bird from Forward Operating Base (FOB) to FOB.  It’s basically the 911 for the military.  

Have you ever treated prayer like a 9-Line?  Don’t get me wrong, God wants us to come to Him when we have emergencies. In fact, it says in Psalm 50:15:

“And call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

God hears us when we call out to Him.  But if the only time we talk to Him is in our personal crises, we’re really missing out on the best thing in life: a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Think about if you only called your mom or dad or husband or wife when you needed something.  Is that much of a relationship?

Jesus was praying one day when one of His disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray.  It says in Luke 11: 2 - 4:

“He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:

Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’”

Jesus, the Son of God, made time to pray and spend time with the Heavenly Father.  He knew that seeking Him daily for direction, guidance and fellowship was key to having victories.  It was his priority, no matter how busy he was.  

So as you are working 12+ hour days, most likely tired and just trying to get through another day, consider starting off your day with the Lord in prayer.  When you tell him your concerns, problems, hopes and dreams, He’s sure to listen and help you.

Questions:

1.  When do you typically pray and what do you pray about?  

2.  What are some excuses you have used in the past for not making prayer a priority?

3.  How can you incorporate more prayer time into your daily life?