Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. – Psalm 65:1-4
It is normal for people to pray with greater intensity when times of trouble come, and there is nothing wrong with that. But prayer should be our constant, continual, habitual practice—not just when things go wrong, but all the time. “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Daniel 6:10).
Prayer is not an empty exercise. God hears when His children cry out to Him. It is a tragedy for us to fail to take advantage of the privilege we have been given as Christians to enter God’s presence and pour out our hearts to Him. Unlike idols worshipped through the years by so many people, God actually hears our requests. We do not have to convince Him to listen—His love has already opened the door.
Jonathan Edwards wrote, “Seeing we have such a prayer-hearing God as we have heard, let us be much employed in the duty of prayer: let us pray with all prayer and supplication: let us live prayerful lives, continuing instant in prayer, watching thereuto with all perseverance; praying always, without ceasing, earnestly, and not fainting.” Prayer is not optional for the believer. It is impossible for us to live as God commands and fulfill His purpose unless we are people of prayer.
Pray in every situation and at all times, in full confidence that God will hear and answer. ( Daily in the Word)
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
