READ: 1
THESSALONIANS 5:16-24
The call to prayer is prominent on the pages of
the Scriptures. The word ‘pray’ or ‘prayed’ occurs 358 times in the Bible. Let
us look at the etymology and the import of the word “pray”. The Bible makes it
clear to us that we should pray without ceasing. I was trying to write down the
times we should pray but was unable to exhaust the list. I can however list two
times when you pray.
1. In the time of weakness. Definitely, you need to pray in the time of weakness because this is only way you can get strength. The Bible says, in Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” In the original version “renew” was “exchange”. When you go to the Almighty God with your weakness, He would take away your weakness and give you in exchange, His strength. On more than one occasion, I was compelled to ask for physical strength because I was exhausted.
2. When you are strong. People do not think that they should pray when they are strong. 1 Samuel 2:9 says, “He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail.” If you rely on your strength, you will fail. If you do not believe this, all you need to do is ask Goliath. He was so strong that he challenged the whole army of Israel, yet he failed. You cannot win by your strength. It is indeed surprising that the life of a man is characterised by seasons of weakness and strength. This compels us to pray ceaselessly. Are you extremely strong? Pray. Are you so weak that you cannot even make your lips to utter a prayer? Pray. Pray when you feel all is well and pray when the atmosphere appears cloudy. Make prayer as regular as your very breath.
1. In the time of weakness. Definitely, you need to pray in the time of weakness because this is only way you can get strength. The Bible says, in Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” In the original version “renew” was “exchange”. When you go to the Almighty God with your weakness, He would take away your weakness and give you in exchange, His strength. On more than one occasion, I was compelled to ask for physical strength because I was exhausted.
2. When you are strong. People do not think that they should pray when they are strong. 1 Samuel 2:9 says, “He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail.” If you rely on your strength, you will fail. If you do not believe this, all you need to do is ask Goliath. He was so strong that he challenged the whole army of Israel, yet he failed. You cannot win by your strength. It is indeed surprising that the life of a man is characterised by seasons of weakness and strength. This compels us to pray ceaselessly. Are you extremely strong? Pray. Are you so weak that you cannot even make your lips to utter a prayer? Pray. Pray when you feel all is well and pray when the atmosphere appears cloudy. Make prayer as regular as your very breath.
MEMORIZE: JEREMIAH 33:3 –Call to Me,
and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not
know.
