Prayer: Joyful in Hope Patient in Affliction Faithful in Prayer

Andrew Murray once wrote: “If there is one thing I think the Church needs to learn, it is that God means prayer to have an answer, and that it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what God will do_ for His _child who gives himself to believe that his prayer will be heard.” God will either change our circumstances or change us through our circumstances – the latter being the greater miracle. He Who spoke this world into being has power to do all things. And no plan of His can be thwarted.   

To be sure, God delights in the prayers of His saints. And believers are called to pray continually with great intensity and thoroughness – both for their own good and His glory. Remember, our Lord Jesus so fervently prayed in the garden that His sweat was as drops of blood falling. Luke tells us in Luke 22:44 (NIV): “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” We are also told in James 5:16 B (NIV): “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Our righteousness is in Christ. In Him we are a new creation. Not of works, so that no one can boast. Humbly, we approach the Throne of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Nothing in our hands we bring, only to the cross we cling. It is the blood of Jesus that covers our sins and enables us to approach God in prayer, transforming us to do “pala” things through His power – things too hard for us in and of ourselves to do, like forgiveness of those who harm us and love for those who disdain us. God provides everything for us to do His good and pleasing and perfect will. He is looking for willing hearts. Prayer is to undergird all things righteous and holy. And prayer changes things, not the least of which is our hearts and our attitudes. Remember, we see such a poor reflection as in a mirror of what will come but God sees things in there consequences and if we could see as He sees we would be of the same mind.  

Prayer is also a forerunner of mercy. Scarcely, does God move his Omnipotent Hand apart from unheralded supplication. While He indeed gives many common blessings and mercies unasked for, His greatest mercies arrive through the effectual prayers of the righteous one – they avail much Scripture tells us. In all of our dangers, toils, strife’s, insults and injuries He remains present with us through our faithful prayers – strengthening us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. When we have had great deliverances out of sore and trying troubles and mighty help in great dangers, we are enabled to say, “I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Prayer is the preface to blessing demonstrating to us the great value and preciousness of it.