Prayer – Importance

Prayer is important to all of us. The apostle Paul was one of the Lord’s greatest preachers. Because he preached in many countries of the known world. And, he led many people to Christ by the Gospel that he had been commissioned to preach. Paul wrote “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes.” Romans 1:16

Have you ever counted all the times that Paul stated that he was praying for each of them? One account is recorded in Philippians 1:2-5 “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God upon every remembrance of you always. In every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy.” Therefore, it seemed to Paul that prayer was a powerful weapon that was needed by all. Hence, Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 about prayer “Pray without ceasing.” Jesus prayed often and even taught His disciples to pray.

Prayer – America’s Foundation

Our country was founded upon the fact that God was the creator of all things. God upholds all things by the word of His power. Therefore, the Bible was the standard that all must live by. Each session of Congress was opened with prayer. They asked God to guide them in their decisions. I don’t know if that is still going on today, but I believe that it is. But, even in Paul’s day Satan was there to hinder. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again: but Satan hindered us.”

Prayer – Rights Hindered

What is wrong with our world? Most of all, the answer is Satan and all the evil people that he can influence. First, Satan influences actions of our leaders and is hurting our nation. The deceiver influences all people. Yet, he even has crept into our church services, tempting our people with things of the world. Many are following after his influence.

Finally, even in our little town is being hindered. Legal action has been threatened if the school board continues to pray before board meetings. When will it end? What will we do if the day comes that in our worship services of the church that we cannot pray to our God? We are all tempted each day by Satan. This is nothing new and it will continue until Christ’s return. Even Jesus was tempted continually by Satan. Therefore, don’t let him get a foothold in your life. Prayer keeps you connected to God, use it for defense from Satan.

The late Paul Harvey, once said, “That when small men cast long shadows, the sun is about to go down.” Well that maybe what is going to happen. Our Lord returning to receive His own. Stay faithful. Pray without ceasing. Stay in communication with God through prayer.

See also: Worship and You

In Christian Love
Bill Arnold, Minister
Ridgeway Church of Christ
Harrison, Arkansas