Your Daily Devotional for February 5, 2006

February 5, 2006

 

How’s Your Prayer Life?            

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”

 

1 Peter 4:7

 

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”

 

Colossians 4:2

 

We live in a day and age where right before our eyes we see the world’s economy and the world’s religion setting the stage for what is to come.  More and more Christians are becoming apathetic to spiritual things.  We don’t need more programs or more organizations; what we need is more prayer, more of turning our hearts and minds towards God and who He is. 

 

When our thoughts are constantly in tune with God, we are on prayer mode.  Lord, what do you want me to wear today?  Lord, what decisions am I to make today that will honor You?  What radio station or kind of music should I listen to on my way to work?  God is interested in everything about you—down to the minutest detail of your life!  Has God become a complete stranger to you?  Well, there’s hope!  Through prayer, you can make Him your intimate Friend once again.

 

I’m very thankful for this fact: EVERYBODY can pray.  God has enabled all of us to come to Him in prayer.  I remember a dear old lady in our church years and years ago when we were still at the old building downtown.  Her name was Clara Daugherty.  After I had preached one Sunday evening, I saw Clara hobbling down the aisle with her walker.  She said she wanted to make a decision at the altar.  Although she had limitations due to old age and failing health, she wanted to dedicate her life to the Lord. 

She said, “I know I can’t do a lot of what other people can do, but I can pray and I can pay.”  And she did that until God called her home.  I’m sure that when she saw Jesus face to face, she didn’t regret that decision she had made. 

 

My friend, whether you’re 87 or 7, everybody can pray.  God’s mandate to us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is to “pray without ceasing.”  It’s not just a constant prayer; it’s also an instant prayer.  When you’re communing with the Lord and your spirit is right with Him, you have instant access to Him. You don’t have to rearrange your schedule to talk to Him.  You don’t need a secretary to set up an appointment.  Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”

 

It’s good to develop the habit of obeying every impulse from God to pray.  Sometimes while I’m driving on campus or walking to my office, the Lord will bring someone to mind.  I pray instantly for that person or if I can, jot that person a note. Why?  Because I believe that God brings someone to my heart for a purpose and for a reason.  We can instantly minister to people through prayer, no matter where they are on this planet.  Just remember that it’s never too late to start being a man or woman of prayer.

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