Time for Prayer

This week's devotion is authored by by James Blake, prayer co-coordinator for our ministry expansion campaign

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15–16).

“In the teachings of Jesus Christ, prayer is the working of the miracle of redemption in me, which produces the miracle of redemption in others, through the power of God.” Oswald Chambers

What an honor to be able to have a relationship with the Creator and Savior and Spirit through prayer. A God who knew us before we were in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139) and has loved all of mankind through all our failures, allows us to love and seek Him with a heart that has also loved and embraced sin. 

For the seasoned prayer warrior, it is easy to forget that praying seems foolish to the common sense of many people. Most are just busy at work — pleasures one day and business another. It may sound absurd to make time for prayer. But if heaven and hell are the outcome of our warfare, then prayer is indeed the battle. And we should all feel a bold sense of urgency in this fight, because there is no time to spare (Psalm 4:4).

Prayer is our part in the relationship with God. That isn’t to say that it earns us anything, but it does connect us to the miracle of redemption. It does unite us with the power of God. Relationships establish others as trustworthy in our minds. This is just as true for your friends as it is for your mother and father. Rules — without relationship — create rebellion. It was Job’s relationship with God that proved His character as trustworthy (Job 13:15).

This conception of relationship may help us understand the call to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). If you are anything like me, you need help wrestling with the idea of praying constantly. In the common sense, that seems almost as achievable as flossing every day. But in the Spirit, this isn’t a metaphor for some ideal way of life. With the intercession of the Spirit, this is encouragement for right here and now (Romans 8:26–27).

Think of your best friend or spouse — you don’t need to be around them every second of every day in order to retain that constant of relationship. Just ask anyone who has recently retired. The pilot light of your union stays lit. How much more is this true of your loving Father?! Your relationship as His child is not a flame only burning when you fold your hands, sit, or lie down, and call His name. Because of the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, then His resurrection, and your union with the Holy Spirit through your Baptism, that redemptive power of God is always in you.

“The believer’s spirit is like fire upon the hearth; though it is not blazing, it is ready upon any opportunity to be blown up into a flame.”¹

But don’t be fooled by the enemy into thinking that time is on your side. People are ripe; the harvest is ready. 

Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers

LSB Hymn 515, Stanzas 1 and 2

Rejoice, rejoice, believers,

    And let your lights appear;

The evening is advancing,

    And darker night is near.

The Bridegroom is arising

    And soon is drawing nigh.

Up, pray and watch and wrestle;

    At midnight comes the cry.

The watchers on the mountain

    Proclaim the Bridegroom near;

Go forth as He approaches

    With alleluias clear.

The marriage feast is waiting;

    The gates wide open stand.

Arise, O heirs of glory;

    The Bridegroom is at hand.

¹Swinnock, George. Works. Vol. 1, pp. 129-132.

About Mindful Monday Devotions

In our season of celebration with Tell the Wonders He Has Done, we continue in our prayerful focus as we look to the months and years ahead with thanksgiving. Join us as we remain in God's strong Word each Monday morning.