Prioritize Prayer

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land- 2 Chronicles 7:14

Have you ever had that one friend that comes to you only when they need something? They do not call or check on you until they need your help, then suddenly, they remember you exist. We all have one of those.

Have you also had a genuine friend that has always been there for you through thick and thin? That one that is always there for you regardless of the situation. They know you so well that even if they hear terrible rumors about you, they can quickly say it is not your character. That one you feel comfortable with and can allow to move freely around the house.

Which of these friends will you be comfortable giving to and even have that urge to do more than they ask? Conversely, which one will you try to avoid?

Thank God we have a merciful God who is always ready to accept us back, even when we are still a long way off.

Of my three children, one never really asks for anything. He is always more considerate than others and seems content with what he has. For that reason, I will always ask if he needs something, and whenever he says yes, I never hesitate to get that right away, and I usually will add what he did not even ask. “How much more, then, will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11

Where am I going with this?

Pray consistently with the Scripture

Prayer is the key that unlocks God’s power. Prayer is the key to opening doors, and therefore must be our first point of call when in trouble. Through prayer, we can have revelations and are able to resist the devil and his evil tricks. Constant communication with God in prayer should be the goal of every believer. How often should we pray? “At all times” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. I do not think any of us will disagree that the world needs prayers now, more than ever. There is so much evil. The enemy is on the loose, and he is not messing around. So why should we?

The word of God says in 1 Peter 5:8, “be alert, be on the watch! Your enemy, the devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour”. The enemy intends to occupy us with so much stuff that we forget to pray. On the contrary, Jesus said in Luke 21:34, “be careful not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or the day may suddenly catch you like a trap.” He said in verse 36, “be on the watch and pray.”

So, let us not remember prayer only when we need something. It might be too late, then. Also, let us not wait till tomorrow to make that decision because tomorrow is not promised. Instead, let us be the ones that want to know God more through prayers and his words in the scripture, where he speaks directly to us. Let us not only go in times of trouble but also in the time of rejoicing with thanksgiving in our hearts. Prayer must be part of us, our priority. Let us humble ourselves, pray, and seek the face of God. And watch him do what He does best- “so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of” -Ephesians 3:20.

Likewise, our homes should be a place of prayer, where our children know to always call on God and hear his voice through the scripture. Our children are the future generation, and we do not want to raise a generation of atheists. So instead, let us decide to raise a generation who will serve God in spirit and truth. It’s our responsibility.

In addition, it is equally important to have people that can agree with you in prayer. People that are willing to pray with you and for you. It has helped me grow tremendously in my spiritual life. It helps to know that there are people who can lift you even when you are weak. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “encourage and help one another.” So, my friends, I encourage you all to attach yourselves to a strong bible believing, and praying church or fellowship to continue to grow.

For these 40 days of lent (February 22-April 8), you can join us as we pray with the scripture daily, except Sundays from 10 pm- 11 pm via zoom at https://us04web.zoom.us/j/8039456725 passcode 0604. Also, if you live in Maryland, close to Largo, we meet at St. Joseph’s church every Thursday from 7-8:15 pm. In addition, if you cannot afford to buy a bible, and you desire to have one, send me a message via the “contact me” page.

May God bless you and your family, and may we all decide to follow Jesus and prioritize prayer in our lives and homes. May God, in His infinite mercy, meet you at the point of your needs.

Please, feel free to share, and may God’s name be glorified in our lives and through this message.

God bless you!

Ngozi