Colossians Ch4 v2-6: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

For some people persistent prayer and intercession can appear to be a daunting prospect, hard work (I used to be in this category) the fruits from persistent prayer can be plentiful and fulfilling.

In today’s society it can be very difficult in finding / committing time to periods of prayer, reflection especially on issues which you may feel are unobtainable in this life time. God does hear all our prayers and will answer the prayers which we ‘need’ answering not prayers which are ‘nice to have’ answered.

Prayer though is a 2-way communication process, yet for a number of people their communication line with God is one-way. When we’re praying for a specific cause we need to take time out to listen to God for His guidance and wisdom. For some situations you will need to take a proactive course of action but unless you wait on the Lord you may not discover what you need to do or say.

When we’re praying we are reminded in Romans Ch 8 v26 – 27 that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf and we can ask Him for guidance in our prayers.

I know some people who have been journaling their prayers in a diary for years, and they say it helps during the difficult times to look back and remind themselves of the prayers which the Lord has answered.

Prayer was important for Jesus when He walked the Earth. He would go off alone to spend time with His Father. Jesus prayed before feeding the 5000 and, as it is well documented the night before His crucifixion He spent it in prayer.

Thought for the week

How often do you put time aside to pray intensely for a situation which you think is unobtainable?

How often do you take time out and ‘listen’ to God?