Sunday, January 27, 2013

January 27 (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  (NIV)

There are three reasons why we should operate in a constant posture of prayer.  First, we are commanded to do so.  Paul states clearly that rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving are part of the will of God for us.  This is the obvious reason and the one that we most likely know best.

Prayer is communication and communion with God.  Another reason, beyond the command, is our desire.  When you were in the first stages of romance with your beloved, you could not talk enough.  There were multiple phone calls during the day.  You could not wait to see each other again the moment you had to say goodbye.  If we love God as we say we do, then we will want to be in this kind of constant communication with Him.  There is no question that He loves us as He says, and He certainly desires this closeness with us.

The third reason for constant prayer is that it is a most formidable weapon.  The last thing Satan wants is you, counting on the promise of Jesus that whatever we ask for in His name will be done, to go before our Father with prayers to end abortion, injustice, or abuse.  He would hate it should we ever get serious about praying for healing, the restoration of relationships, or freedom from addictions.

Father, thank You for the freedom that allows me to come to You at any time, in any place, with the deep desires and concerns of my heart.  I pour forth to You now all that is in my life and on my mind, the good and the bad alike, confident that You hear and will respond according to Your unfailing love.  In the name of Christ Jesus, Who obtained for me the privilege of talking with You by His sacrifice on the cross, amen.

Copyright © 2013 by Steven R. Perkins

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