The Power of Prayer
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” Colossians 4:2 NKJV
Hey friend,
Do you struggle with your prayer life? I must confess that I sometimes do. That confession may shock those who know me very well because they know that I love to pray and count it a privilege to lift others up to the throne of God. But if I’m honest, there are moments when my prayers seem to fall flat as my mind wanders down various rabbit trails. Distractions come from every angle and before I know it, what started out as a prayer has turned into a massive to-do list for my day. Does that ever happen to you?
This past weekend, I had the privilege of hearing one of my uncles preach at the church I grew up in and the sermon he preached on prayer is on repeat in my mind. It amazes me how God speaks to His children. Truths and testimonies about prayer have surfaced all throughout my day. He hasn’t just tried to get my attention on the matter once but repeatedly.
I believe it would blow our socks off if we truly grasped the power of prayer and how it moves the hand and heart of God. I’ve witnessed such power in my own life and in the life of my loved ones and yet still there are times when I can’t stay focused enough to pray for longer than thirty seconds. Dr. Tony Evans says, “If the devil can’t hinder you with difficulties, he’ll choke you with distractions. Stay wise to his schemes.” This statement couldn’t be any truer. The enemy is out to distract us and keep us from having a vibrant prayer and Bible time.
Colossians 4:2 says, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving”.
The apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians while he was bound in chains in a Roman prison. Notice the words “Continue earnestly being vigilant” that Paul used in this verse. The definition for earnestly is with sincere and intense conviction, seriously and the definition for vigilant is keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties, being on the lookout.
Why would we as believers need to continue in prayer sincerely and seriously while being on the lookout for possible danger? 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
We have an enemy that seeks to destroy us and everything we hold dear. He will stop at nothing to disarm us and distract us so that we aren’t focused on his schemes. See, he knows the power of prayer and he knows that he can be victorious if he can distract God’s people from praying.
We can’t allow the enemy to succeed. We must make prayer a priority. Who do you and I know personally that doesn’t know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior? Do we know for certain that Heaven will be their home when they exit this life?
Sweet friend, this has been a sobering thought running through my mind today. Lost people are around us on every side – family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers. We must pray for them individually – we must pray for their salvation. It’s important and it’s urgent.
Dear God,
Forgive me for getting distracted and not praying the way I need to. Give me a burden for the lost. Give me a desire to have a deeper relationship with you. Show me how to pray and help me to always seek your face first before anything else that I do. I love you, In Jesus Name, Amen.
Dig Deeper:
Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV