A Picture of Growing in Christ, Part 4 - We Ought Always to Pray

February 24, 2022 | by: Dale Thiele | 0 Comments

Posted in: Pastoral Encouragement

In Luke 18:1, the gospel writer tells us that Jesus “told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” If only we had such a clear statement of the purpose for every parable! In this parable, we hear of a widow pestering an unjust judge for justice. The judge eventually gives in because of the widow’s persistence. Jesus compares God to the unjust judge. If such an unrighteous man is swayed by persistent requests, how much more will a loving, gracious, patient God respond to persist prayer? 

This call to persistent prayer is repeated in Paul’s letters. We are to be “praying at all times in the Spirit” (Eph. 6:18), “continue steadfastly in prayer” (Col. 4:2), and “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17). Can any of us claim to be steadfast in prayer? Do we pray without ceasing? 

Of course, these commands do not mean that we need to be kneeling, eyes closed, hands folded, all day, every day in order to “pray without ceasing.” They speak about a posture of our hearts, priorities of our thinking, and the humble esteem of our abilities. As one has said, prayer is like breathing to a Christian, it constantly happens, sustaining our life, even if we are not fully conscience of it.

Ordinary Means of Grace flow chartConsider this graphic again. With it I am aiming to illustrate the commitments of a healthy, growing Christian. We have seen that the fountainhead of spiritual health is the commitment to the ordinary means of grace. This habit for spiritual health is supplemented by personal commitments to the Word, prayer, and body fellowship throughout the week. Let me encourage us to cultivate a deeper commitment to prayer. 

  1. Prayer is the evidence of a worshipful heart. James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” Do you believe that? Do you believe that every good gift you enjoy, sometimes taking for granted, is from God? Paul emphasizes this with the rhetorical question in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “What do you have that you did not receive?” Prayer is our avenue to give thanks and worship the great Giver of every good and perfect gift. If the posture of our hearts is gratitude, we would pray without ceasing as we give thanks in everything. 
  1. Prayer is evidence of a mind thinking rightly. The Bible affirms that Jesus “upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Heb. 1:3), God “works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Eph. 1:11), and “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). These passages, along with dozens of others, affirm the sovereignty of God in all things. If our minds comprehend these truths, and truly incorporate these truths into how we think about the circumstances of our lives, we would pray moment by moment, depending on his work. God is working in everything. Why do we live and work as if we are on our own? That is irrational, illogical thinking and operating if we claim to believe in the sovereignty of God. Prayer should be our first thought, not our last resort. 
  1. Prayer is evidence of a humble esteem for our abilities. Paul exhorts the Roman church to not think more highly of themselves than they ought to think (Rom. 12:3). Jesus tells his disciples they can do nothing apart from him (John 15:5). What do we do in light of these passages (and dozens of others that highlight human weakness and inability)? Pray! In the parable in Luke 18, the widow had no option to meet her need for justice other than the unjust judge. The parallel for us is that we have no option for our spiritual needs other than Christ. Why don’t we pray more? Like a stubborn three year old, we think too highly of our abilities and declare, “I do it myself!” 

For the sake of your own spiritual health, make prayer not only a daily commitment, but also a moment by moment posture.

 

 

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