A Lifestyle of Prayer
Dearly beloved of God, prayer should be a way of life for us. We should have a lifestyle of prayer. As children of God we should include Him in every aspect of our lives. Prayer is an important element of practicing the presence of God in our lives.
God our Father has given us access to Him by the spirit, and He exhorts us to take advantage of that access with boldness and confidence. What an awesome privilege we have to be able to approach Him in prayer.
God tells us to be instant in prayer. The word "instant" means to give persistent attention to, to persevere, to wait upon constantly. We should be like a servant whose eyes are constantly upon his master. It is more than just saying a prayer, we should live a lifestyle of prayer.
In the Church epistles. We are instructed to first of all pray, to be instant in prayer, to strive in prayer, to watch in prayer, to persevere in prayer, to pray fervently, to pray without ceasing, to pray always, to pray with the understanding, and to pray with the spirit.
God describes prayer habits differently that many people think about it, doesn’t He? Prayer should be like having a running conversation with Him; we should include Him in every aspect of our lives by praying, whether it involves our family life, our work, our play, ministering to others, or whatever we may do.
Since God is our Father, and He is present; He is not only with us He is for us, and He will never leave us or forsake us. Because He cares for us we should cast our cares upon Him, and come boldly unto the throne of grace so we may obtain His timely help. Prayer is a very important part of practicing the presence of God in our lives, dearly beloved.
Our heart should be, “Father what can I do for you today?” Prayer is vital to our walk with the Father. If He is to direct our steps we must organize our lives to take the time to pray.
We should organize our lives so we have the time to pray like other believers that came before us did. Consider Moses’ example, he prayed for Israel for 40 days and 40 nights a number of times. Jesus Christ prayed early in the morning, all night at times, before major decisions, in situations that he needed guidance, in times of trouble; he prayed always.
Study the records of Jesus Christ’s prayer life. Prayer was a vital aspect of his life and ministry. He did not just say a prayer here and there; he lived a life of prayer. It was not just a one way conversation; he was strengthened, received guidance, and God directed his steps. God will do the same for us, dearly beloved.
Pray until you get your answer from the Father. Pray all night if necessary. Pray early in the morning. Pray when you are confronted with the pressures of life.
I John 5:14 and 15
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us;
And if we know that He hears us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.
God delights in our prayers, dearly beloved, so first of all pray; not as a last resort, not if all else fails; pray always. Be instant in prayer, persevere until you receive your answer. Pray with believing confidence in God our Father; He is able and willing to answer our prayers. Instead of worrying, pray. Pray with the understanding and pray with the spirit.
The Lord is present, so do not be distracted by anything, but instead in everything pray with thanksgiving. God hears our prayers and He delights to answer them, dearly beloved, so pray fervently.