Living a Lifestyle of Prayer (Part I)

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1st Timothy 2:8, New King James Version).

This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

Imagine the activity in the cockpit when a pilot flies a plane. There is a steady communication between the pilot and the control tower and this must be maintained throughout the flight as it is critical for the safety of the aircraft. The situation is similar with prayer: a two-way communication between God and man!

Today’s key Bible verse illustrates Apostle Paul’s wish to make prayer our lifestyle. In another letter to the church at Thessalonica, he again expressed the importance of making prayer a habitual act and he wrote: “rejoice always, pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1st Thessalonians 5:16-18, English Standard Version). This suggests that it is the will of God for everyone to pray often.

The example of the aircraft and control tower illustrates that prayer is the means of communication between people and God: it is practically impossible for any aircraft to arrive at its destination without the help of the control tower. Similarly, nobody can fulfil his or her destiny without prayer; the habit of prayer must be maintained to ensure that we arrive safely at our divine destination.

When the time came for Jesus Christ to fulfil His destiny, He knew what was required to ensure He did not fail. He went to Gethsemane to pray with Peter, James and John and the Bible relates that: “ He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’” (Mark 14:35-38, New King James Version). This indicates that if He had not prayed, then the will of the flesh would have prevailed against the divine will of God, which was for Jesus Christ to die and save mankind from their sins.

From the Bible it is clear that the main difference between those who fulfilled their destiny and those who failed was their habit of prayer. Abraham, Isaac, Israel, Joseph, Moses and David, for example,  all fulfilled their destiny because they made prayer a habit. King David, despite his busy daily schedule said: “evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.” (Psalms 55:17, New King James Version). It was also the lack of prayer or its deficiency that caused many famous people in the bible such as Samson and Saul to fail. Luke 21 verse 36 states “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man”

Let us pray: “Father, may I receive your Grace and your help and may I call upon You daily concerning all my earthly affairs,” in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!