Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV
Have you ever had moments when you struggled just to pray? Yet there are other times you feel like a prayer warrior ready for battle. Sometimes you may even become discouraged because you have prayed and prayed and prayed, yet nothing seems to happen. You may even ask, “God, can you hear me?” Personally, I have felt all the above and many other things /emotions in my prayer life, but the one pattern of prayer that I am sure we should all maintain is the pattern of Romans 12:12.
1. To Rejoice in Hope
Rejoicing, especially with hope, is always a good place to start. It does not matter how bad life becomes; there is always something we can rejoice in because of the Lord’s blessing in our life. I remember years ago a sweet dear saint in the Lord. Her body racked with so much pain that she could hardly speak yet trying to communicate. I leaned over and placed my ear close to her whispering breath to hear the words she was trying to say. In a clear whisper she stated, “God is good all the time.”
Here are some rejoicing starters for you.
His Salvation ~ Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation. Psalms 35:9 ESV
The gift of today ~ This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118: 24 ESV
In God’s word ~ I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. Psalm 119: 162 ESV
2. Be Patient in Tribulation
A person does not need to go looking for difficult situations in life, for difficult situations will come to a person if they are endeavoring to live for Christ. Christ himself warned us difficult times will come but does not want us to be discouraged. “I have said these things to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV Concerning the last days Jesus said this, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.” Matthew 24: 10 ESV May we have a prayer life in difficult times that will causes us to pray like Paul when he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 ESV
3. Be constant in Prayer
I believe prayer should be an all day on going conversation with God, but I also believe everyone needs a time when they get alone with God to pray intentionally and specifically. Jesus himself practices this often. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountains by himself to pray. When evening came, he was alone. Matthew 14: 23 ESV (Luke 6:12..Mark 1:35…Luke 5:16) Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 ESV which I believe is simply an all day conversation a person has with God. Pray when you are driving, at your desk, pounding nails, in the kitchen or shop, and on and on I could go with the possibilities of places and times to pray. The point…..make God the center of your thoughts.
Prayer is absolutely essential in the life of every Christian. The above only scratches the surface in all the Bible teaches concerning prayer and its importance. We were made to be with God, but sin separated us from this privilege. God so desired to reconnect with us that He sent His only Son to die. Because of this perfect sacrifice, anyone who repents of sin and calls upon Him will experience talking with Him as His child. Yes, it is true anyone can pray but to pray and talk with Him as one of His children goes to a whole different level than just a casual conversation. So this next week let me encourage you to rejoice everyday , be patient in difficult situations, and constantly be praying / communicating with God who is every Christians heavenly Father.
Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David
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