PRAYER AS A LIFESTYLE RATHER THAN A CHOICE
DECEMBER 17, 2024
TEXT: Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Prayer is the act of establishing communication and fellowship with God. It is one of the means of connecting to God. Prayer is not something that we should engage in only when we find ourselves in the mood. It is something that should become a practice, custom, or culture. It is quite unfortunate that many believers only feel the need to pray when they find themselves in crisis or when they are being afflicted by enemies. Our lives require constant guidance and direction from God, and there’s no way we can possibly get this if we don’t establish a divine connection with God.
FEATURES OF PRAYER AS A WAY OF LIFE
- A life of constant fellowship and communication with God. The Bible did not tell us to pray only when we are overwhelmed by the troubles of this world. It’s something that should occur every time, whether we are lacking or whether we are excited. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- A life that constantly seeks God’s opinion on every issue of life. God is very interested in every aspect of our lives, no matter how seemingly small they may appear. From our education to our health, career, business, domestic affairs, fashion, etc. Through prayer, we get to know God’s stand over these aspects of our lives. In essence, one feature of a life that is fully immersed in prayer is total dependence on God for divine direction. (Proverbs 3:5-6), (Psalm 46:10)
COMMON OBSTACLES TO A LIFE OF PERPETUAL PRAYERS
- Many people get easily distracted by things happening around them, finding it difficult to focus on their prayer lives. Some of these things include money, positions, etc. Here, you simply need to discipline yourself and learn to put aside all forms of thoughts while you are about to pray.
- Many people find it difficult to pray due to unconfessed sin, leading to feelings of guilt. The devil begins to drop it in their hearts that they are filthy and not worthy to communicate with God. Here, you simply need to confess your sin and repent genuinely, then have faith that God has forgiven you; for He is faithful and just to forgive our sins.
- Lack of zeal to even pray. Sometimes, it’s possible to wake up and not even have the desired motivation to pray. Here, you just need to push yourself to pray. In fact, spiritual research has made us believe that feelings of lethargy and reluctance at the point of prayers is a strong indication that one should double the level of aggression.
- Again, some factors such as doubt and uncertainty can make one unwilling to pray. Some problems can ravage a man’s life so much that he feels even God may not be capable of solving them. However, while praying, honour and acknowledge the sovereignty and might of God to tackle any situation you may find yourself in.
- A lot of people have taken on multiple tasks that they find it difficult to even “breathe”. The implication of this is that prayer life will be adversely affected. Cut down your assignments and engagements in such a way that a reasonable prayer duration is guaranteed on a regular basis.
…TO BE CONTINUED
SEARCHLIGHT
When we pray, we are doing ourselves a great favour for nobody fellowships with God genuinely and remains the same.
PRAYER
O Lord, create in me a heart of prayer and fellowship with You, in the name of Jesus Christ.
BIBLE READING
Genesis 49, 50, Exodus, John 4
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
