“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing”     – Martin Luther

How often do you pray? Before every meal? When you are about to walk into a job interview or a test at school? When you are struggling to maintain peace with a child or parent? We have a direct communication line to the most powerful entity conceivable who genuinely wants to hear from us because he loves us. What a power source! WHY DON’T WE TAP INTO THAT?!?!

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” – Luke 11:9

Israel was in exile and the people scattered. The northern kingdom was overrun by Assyria and Judah was abducted by the Babylonian empire and dispersed across the known world. After 70 years in exile, the people of Judah were allowed to return to the land under Cyrus. However, the walls and gates of Jerusalem were broken down and destroyed which left the people vulnerable to attacks and continuing pagan influence. Nehemiah, the king’s cup bearer and a Jew, was distraught over the current state of Israel and cried out to God through prayer and fasting. Because of his humility and persistence in prayer, he was given an opportunity and Nehemiah was used by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. If you are burdened for something, pray about it and let God take you on an adventure!

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” – Jeremiah 33:3

I often struggle to pray when I am hurting or feeling guilty. These are the times we must pray and let God take the bitterness often stored in our hearts. Don’t be afraid to cry out in agony to God over the hurt and frustration you encounter in this life through prayer. At Gethsemane, Jesus lamented strongly over the cup of wrath that was about to be laid on him. His final words were “not my will, but yours be done” (Matt 26). God wants us to be in an intimate relationship with him where we can talk to him about everything and be released of all bitterness.

God promises us peace through prayer (Phil 4:6-7) and answers us, as we align our priorities to his will (John 15:7). He promises to answer our prayers that are spoken in belief (Mark 11:24). He promises to heal us when we pray in faith (Jam 5:16). He promises us deliverance from trouble (Psalm 34:17). If all of these promises are true and God answers us, provides a refuge and gives us peace, why don’t we pray more? Let this be a reminder and encouragement to engage in fervent, persistent prayer (1 Thess 5:17). Plug into the power source and start praying.