Pastor John D Jakes

There is nothing more natural in this world than breathing.  Most of us don’t even have to think about it.  We breathe because we live.  Right now, as you are reading this post, you are breathing. Ten minutes ago you were probably breathing without even thinking about it.  I know that I was.  I am thinking about it now because I am writing about it.  However, if I get lost in my writing then I will forget to think about breathing. Yet, I still breathe.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

Is the same true for us and prayer? We are told in Colossians to “Devote ourselves to prayer.”  We are told in James that prayer is the natural response to both suffering and sickness for the Christian.  The question I must ask – is it true for us?  Is prayer natural for us now that we have been covered by the shed blood of Jesus?  Is prayer what we use when we are in trouble, when we have fears, and when we don’t know what to do?  Do we run to other things? Do we run to some crutch like food or entertainment?  Do we hang out with friends (not for prayer but for distraction)? Do we just worry? Why is that?

Whatever our reasons, God’s Word encourages us to know the power of prayer.  James tells us in James 5 that we should think of Elijah.  He says, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.” (James 5:17) Did you hear that? Elijah was a regular person. He was just like us. Yet, God listened to Elijah. He responded to his prayers in profound ways.  Can you receive that encouragement today?  You are like Elijah.  God will listen and respond to you too.  Let prayer be a natural response for your life.  Respond that way everyday.

Something to think about,

Pastor John