Called to Pray

I recently made a commitment to pray for someone in the morning and at bedtime. This wasn't a new commitment, but a more intentional one. However, it didn't take long before my plan felt like one more thing I had to do.

To be honest, I’m long past frustrated with the situation we've been in and that our prayers have not been answered. I know He's at work and that His way and timing are best, but I've grown weary in the wait. Maybe you can relate?

Last week as I got ready for bed, I wanted to skip praying that night. I thought, why bother?

But immediately I wondered, what if a breakthrough is right around the corner?

I'm not in any way suggesting that God's work is dependent on my prayers. But I know that when I stop praying it opens the door to drifting away from Him.

My prayers for someone else aren't just for that person, they are for me too.

Prayer keeps me close to the One whose love and power are unlimited. No matter what I can or can't see, nothing is impossible for God. {Tweet this}

Prayer gives me strength to face tomorrow. It gives me the ability to see His work, even especially when it's not what I've been asking for.

Prayer allows me to stand in the gap for someone who is struggling the way others have stood in the gap for me.

Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people.
Ephesians 6:18 CEV

God calls us to pray because it keeps us close to Him and focused on Him. {Tweet this}

The enemy hates that. He knows he cannot stand in Jesus' presence so he'll watch for the moment he can slither in before we even know what happened.

I'm tired of praying and seeing no change, but praying enables me to keep hoping. And without hope, what is there?

Yes, my frustration grows on some days, but so does my praise and thankfulness because I know He's here and my impatience doesn't cause Him to turn away.

Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

Peace. In the midst of difficulty. Only through faith in Jesus.

Lord, I know You can. I don't understand why You haven't. But I know that doesn't mean You won't. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Christ,

Laura

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