Finding strength in the place of prayer (2)
Prayer helps the believer to build strength for the days of adversity. You must recognize that days of adversity will surely come, contrary winds will come to shake you, and how well you stand reveals your devotion to prayer.
Proverbs 24:10;
If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.
How do you enlarge your capacity? Go for prayer! There’s nothing you do for long that won’t affect you. Never speak down on prayer, it is beautiful for all situations – in the good and not-so-good times.
Let’s see something vital from Jesus’ experience with prayer:
Luke 22:39-43;
39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him.
40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed,
42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Jesus shows us something quite instructive here – Prayer brings our will in alignment with God’s will. Jesus received strength for the journey ahead in the place of prayer. Times of adversity are not times for merrying, they are times for intense prayer – agonizing times of prayer. This kind of prayer isn’t prayed haphazardly, they are often long, intense, and heartfelt. Jesus showed us a classic example of heartfelt prayer making tremendous power available here.
So, GO FOR PRAYER! When you notice your prayer life is dwindling, know that the enemy is lurking around. Go back to consistent prayer. Flies don’t perch on hot coals. You notice strange desires and habits in your life, go for prayer. Deal with weaknesses in the place of prayer. No amount of studying God’s word can substitute for a prayer life. In fact, the more of God’s word you know, the more you should pray. God’s word inspires prayer.
Today and beyond, be a man given to prayer. If you have lost your prayer life along the way somewhere, pick it up again. God is calling you to much consecration in the place of prayer.
Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Luke 17-18
TEACHING OF THE DAY
The Glory of His Inheritance in the Saints (4)