Pray More

Be Strong, Be Well — Saturday, July 4

Today is Saturday. For me, this brings thoughts of our men who gather at the church building for prayer. We do it because we enjoy the fellowship and believe in the power of prayer.

If we truly believe in the God of heaven, not one of us could live without prayer. “In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears” (Psalm 18:6). 

Although we keep hoping more of our men will join us on Saturday mornings, we are aware not everyone can come for various reasons. In the early church, and even before the church began, they came together for collective prayer (Acts 1:14; 12:5, 12).

But we know God hears every prayer of every one of His faithful children, whether praying collectively or privately. “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you” (Jeremiah 29:12).

Our Savior taught His disciples how to pray. He tells all of us through His word that prayer is vital to our survival in this world. Look how often He prayed. Jesus is our greatest example of one dedicated to prayer. “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). 

We all could . There’s so many things to consider in bringing our petitions before His great throne. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 

Great peace comes from prayers offered from that deep place in our heart. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Wherever you are, we love you all, and invite you to bow with us in prayer today. —Chris