FERVENT PRAYER

James says that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (in the old KJV). I wonder how much the token reflections of a postmodern man accomplish?

In recent years, my times of intense prayer, seeking the Lord on my knees and with tears, have been few indeed. I have been so caught up in the daily affairs of my life, so busy with the responsibilities of ministry, that I have neglected the very thing that brings them power.

What's more, I think that I have lacked boldness in prayer, not being so sure of God's will, because I haven't taken the time to go deeply into pursuing the mind of Christ.

I wonder if we as a church have the same problem. We have had once-a-month times for united prayer as a church. The first month, nine people came. Then six. Last night, it was two. Similarly, our times of intercessory worship have been attended by as many as nine, but most months lately it has been about three or four people. There are lots of good reasons for low attendance, but I suspect that at least part of the problem here is a lack of motivation.

The most important work of elders is prayer, just as the most important work of a worship team is worship. If the leaders are not willing to go somewhere, how can we lead others to go there?

Prayer is work. I never really want to pray fervently. But I have never regretted doing so after I have gone into the secret place to see the heart of God. I feel the same way about exercise. Who wants to get started in an activity that will make them sweat and hurt? But afterward come the benefits, when I feel strong, I feel energized, and I am ready for more activity.

On a related note, I wonder if we have been lacking in intensity in prayer because we are lacking in faith? This whole postmodern mindset has people calling on some sort of god, but without a clear, unwavering faith in the blood of Jesus. When we don't know whom we are addressing, then how can we know what to ask? And if we are in a state like that, why pray?

If the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, how much do the token reflections of a postmodern man accomplish?

"LORD, I repent of my prayerless, faithless fear of men. Let me climb the mountain and enter in and go deeper and farther in with You, that I may know Your heart and agree with Your will on earth. In the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
-ker