Wild Prayers预览

PRAY WITHOUT SEASON

You are probably wondering if you read that right. Well, that is just a rephrased version of our go-to Sunday School memory verse, “Pray without ceasing.” Our life has many seasons, we are exhorted to pray just as earnestly during the winter seasons of our lives as we pray during the spring seasons of our lives. Praying without ceasing is a lifestyle wherein we are always conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Prayer goes beyond just ‘talking to God’ to literally ‘walking with God.’ It is beyond just choosing a time to talk with God. It extends to relating with God as your always-available companion. You can simply say “Help me Lord” while you walk down to a presentation, or whisper “Thank You” to Him as your colleague gives you a thumbs-up for a well-presented speech. It’s about getting Him involved in all your activities throughout the day. This should be in addition to your quiet time with God every day.

James 5:13 summarizes this beautifully: “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”

• Pray when things are bad:

James’ counsel to Christians who are suffering trials is “Let them pray.” We are tempted to become anxious, bitter, or discouraged at the face of trials. We often complain, become negative, or give up. But we are exhorted not to seek temporary solutions for ongoing problems. James encourages us to pray in the midst of tough times because the act of prayer is just as vital as the answer to the prayer. While the answer to the prayer delivers us, the act of prayer transforms us.

• Thank God when things are good:

James’ command to the cheerful is: “Let him sing praise.” This verse does not shift subjects from prayer to singing. Singing is also an act of worship. Ephesians 5:19 characterizes Spirit-filled Christians as “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” It is important to be a lark in the springtime of our lives.

To pray without season and to pray without ceasing is to advertise our dependence upon God in every situation that we face.

Reflection time:

1. How often do you have random conversations with God?

2. Does your prayer life take a hit when the going gets tough?

3. When was the last time you thanked God for the blessings that he has granted in your life?

Have a little chat about all that you have written down with God.