Jesus’ Charge To Watch And Pray

Three times in the gospels we read of Jesus charging His disciples to “watch and pray.” To watch means to be aware or pay attention to what’s going on around us and in the world. To pray simply means to respond prayerfully to what we see transpiring. Many today are not paying attention, and others are not responding prayerfully. As Christians, we must avoid both temptations. Not paying attention and not praying are like two ditches on either side of the road of obedience. As world events become more volatile, may we become more prayerful than ever before. God promises to powerfully intervene as we do. Now that’s something to pray about!

Billy Graham On Answers To Prayer

The late evangelist Billy Graham once said that “Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one ever bothered to ask.” Though Billy is now with the Lord, his voice of wisdom and insight lives on, particularly in this quote. How many things is God waiting to do for us, and through us, if we would but pray? How many mercies and miracles are in His divine storehouse just waiting to be poured out when He hears His people praying. Questions like these are important to ponder. I don’t want to get to Heaven one day and realize I missed out on so much because I asked for so little. Friend, let’s bother to ask, and not miss out on any of the answers God has for us. Now that’s something to pray about!

The Wise Prayer Of Agur For Honesty And Modesty

Have you ever read the wise prayer of Agur in Proverbs chapter 30? It’s one of those short prayers tucked away in an almost obscure part of Scripture, but certainly worth much consideration. Talking to two of his friends, Agur begins to pray and ask God for two main things: that falsehood and lies would be removed far from Him, and that he would be given neither poverty nor riches. This wise man’s prayer was essentially for a humble life of honesty and modesty so that he could honor God most fully. Let me pass along a challenge to you. As you spend time alone with God this week, consider Agur’s prayer, and then make it your own. Now that’s something to pray about!

Overcoming Temptations

Have you ever wondered how to overcome difficult temptations? The fast-paced, high-tech world we live in today offers all sorts of ways to compromise our faith. I often think of what Jesus said to His disciples: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38). Both Matthew and Mark note this remarkable truth connecting prayer to overcoming temptation. No matter how badly we want to get past our sinful tendencies, Jesus made clear that we are hard-pressed to follow through on it without being prayerful. So, let’s make this important part of our faith a renewed priority, and see the grace to walk in greater victory grow in our life. Now that’s something to pray about!

What Does Prayer Actually Do?

A common question that often comes up related to prayer is, “What does prayer actually do?” As Christians we believe that prayer moves the hand of God and brings about divine intervention. What it also does, though, is connect the hearts of people to those they pray for. Prayer motivates service, missions-related work, financial generosity and all sorts of practical expressions of love. Critics of prayer who think it does no good will always be there, but don’t let those voices discourage you. I’ve watched prayer change people and inspire good for more than 20 years. So keep lifting up requests to your Father in Heaven. Answers come and hearts change because of it. Now that’s something to pray about!