Both God’s enemies and His children often make the same mistake, they underestimate the power of prayer. As Christians we put on false pretenses at times with regard to prayer. We believe, yet our actions tend to show more of an unbelief. How often do we say, “I’ll be praying…” but then we do not really follow through? Instead we might find ourselves in other activities meant to alleviate, fix or make the problem go away. We gather together all of our resources of knowledge, apparatus, money and influence in this world to fight the battle. Of course there is nothing wrong with using any of these as long as they have been prepared, undergirded and bathed in prayer. Nehemiah mourned, fasted and prayed for some days (Nehemiah 1:4-11). Hezekiah prayed on behalf of those who knew not to be cleansed, but set their hearts on seeking God (2 Chronicles 30:18-21). Daniel got down on his knees and prayed three times daily (Daniel 6:10). Again, Daniel turned to the Lord and pleaded with Him in prayer, petition, fasting, etc. (Daniel 9:4-19). From the belly of the fish Jonah prayed (Jonah 2:1-10). Jesus prayed with His face to the ground (Matthew 26:39-41; Luke 22:42; John 17:1-26).
Recently, Franklin Graham put out a call to Christians to pray for Russian President Putin. But, how should we pray for our enemy? His suggestion – “…pray that God would work in his heart so that war – and the loss of thousands of lives – could be avoided.” (post, 02/18/2022). How about it? Can we do it? Can we lift him up and all national leaders to work in God’s wisdom? The Biblical precedent is certainly there. Matthew 5:43, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” According to Joe Carter from The Gospel Coalition, we can be praying for: their conversion, that evil may be restrained, and to see divine justice done. [1]
Have we invited and challenged God’s people to pray? A Prayer Team during worship services? A night and morning each week for Prayer Meeting? Prayer Partners that join together, even over long distances? We can be creative, but purposeful in regard to praying. Josiah, at the age of eight, began his reign as king. He did not turn aside to the right or the left as he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and in humility before God and His Word (2 Chronicles 34:1-33).
Not sure what to pray for? Pray anyway (Romans 8:26). Afraid that you are praying wrongly? Pray anyway (Jude 20). Maybe you feel certain of what you are praying for. Pray humbly (Psalm 131). It is time to pray, God’s people, pray! Our brothers and sisters may be saying, “I believe, help my unbelief.” Will you lead them out of the underestimation of prayer and into an all-out onslaught of heaven’s gates?
Psalm 51:7-13, “…wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart , O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.”
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[1] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-ways-to-pray-for-our-enemies/
