There is indeed a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:4); and yet there is always a time to pray. Prayer shows that we put our trust in the Lord who is trustworthy. Prayer is our communication channel with God, praying not for Him to be near, but because He is near.
Prayer rises like incense before the throne of God, which is then gathered up into bowls (Revelation 5). This incense as demonstrated during the Levitical priesthood and all their services was simply a shadow of Heavenly things (Hebrews 8:5), was placed before the veil, before the mercy seat. Hallelujah, the veil is now torn and we are invited to come before the throne of grace confidently.
Prayer stirs the heavenly places as God listens and responds; Daniel prayed which prompted the Lord to dispatch heavenly hosts (Daniel 10:12). The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (James 5:16). Prayer releases power and authority when we pray in the name of Jesus.
The most humbling and honourable prayer asks nothing of ourselves, yet we simply silence our words so that we give God all the attention. When we posture ourselves in a place of peace prayer through waiting, it is then that we will have our strength renewed.
When the bride prays she comes before her beloved in adoration, she wants nothing for herself, only to give all of herself to Him. Yet when she comes to the King with her petitions, she is freely offered up to half his kingdom (Esther 5:3). Even so, the pinnacle prayer of the bride is that her beloved would come for her.
I’ll leave you with these wonderful words of William Cowper:
“Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw,
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian’s armour bright:
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel’s side;
But when, through weariness, they failed,
That moment Amalek prevailed.”
I pray we all “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2), Amen.
