Scripture
Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Mark 1:35
Thought for Today
The heart of a prayer warrior reflects the heart of God. A prayer warrior is selfless, gifted to see a situation and bear down in prayer for God’s will to be done. Rest assured God has heard your prayers during the 21 days of prayer and fasting. He knows that your heart’s desire is to continue to pray daily as you ardently seek His face. The bible is filled with men and women who knew the power of fervent prayer. The examples of how they prayed show us how to raise our prayer life to warrior level.
King David was a fierce fighter on the battlefield but his prayer life was even more ferocious. In almost every circumstance he faced, he prayed before responding or making quick decisions. Instead, David prayed to know the will of God and for guidance (1 Samuel 23:10-12). In his prayers he sought forgiveness, wisdom, and mercy. The psalms he wrote expressed his desire to grow closer in his relationship with God. Prayer was the strongest weapon in David’s arsenal. For these and other reasons, he is called a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).
The prophet Samuel’s mother, Hannah, fought off cruel ridicule as well as sadness, bitterness with passionate petitions. She intentionally went to the temple to offer a sacrifice and pray for a child rather than confront her husband’s other wife. Hannah was in anguish, praying as her tears flowed. She promised that she would give the child back to the Lord if He granted her request. The intensity of her prayers was mistaken for drunkenness. Hannah was not concerned how she looked, she was wordlessly speaking in her heart the Lord God (1 Samuel 1:13). God rewarded Hannah with not only Samuel but six other children.
Jesus Christ was the preeminent prayer warrior when he walked the earth. Although He was the Son of God, he knew that prayer was crucial to his life and ministry. He rose before dawn to spend quiet time in prayer. Jesus taught His disciples that talking to God was integral to walking with Him. He provided a model so they would know how they ought to pray. Always, the Savior prayed with urgency and compassion. His prayers in John 17 reveal the heart of Jesus just before His crucifixion. Even as he hung from the cross, He prayed to the Father to forgive those who were ignorant to what they were doing.
The Savior of the world lived a lifestyle of prayer, even in His agony. God commands that we commune with him in prayer incessantly. Use the examples in the bible to intensify your prayer life. Among many things, effectual and fervent prayer gives you the advantage in spiritual warfare. It is a powerful weapon…and as you know, every warrior has a weapon.
Time to Pray!
Father God, increase my desire to pray this time set aside for prayer and fasting comes to a close. Continue to teach me through Your Word how to pray more consistently and effectively from the heart. Thank you for access to Your throne of grace. In the name of Jesus. Amen
