Have You Got a Prayer?

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

Prayerfulness arises from an awareness of need that can only be met by God

1 Timothy 5:5 ESV

She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,

Prayerfulness demonstrates a continuing trust in God

John 15:5–8 ESV

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Prayerfulness involves a heart that is right with God

Isaiah 1:15–17 ESV

When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

Prayerfulness involves the need to be alert

Matthew 26:41 ESV

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Prayerfulness needs to be maintained especially in difficult circumstances

Luke 18:1 ESV

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

See also Hab 3:16–19; Ac 16:25; 1 Th 5:17; 1 Pe 4:7

Examples of people whose prayerfulness proved effective

Hannah, who prayed for a child

1 Samuel 1:20 ESV

And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the LORD.”

Elijah, an ordinary man who prayed

James 5:17–18 ESV

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

Nehemiah, a man who discovered God’s plan through prayer

Nehemiah 1:4 ESV

As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

David, sustained through trials

1 Samuel 30:6 ESV

And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Daniel, whose patience in prayer was rewarded

Daniel 10:12 ESV

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.

Jesus Christ, who perfectly trusted his Father

Hebrews 5:7 ESV

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.

The early church, which was founded upon prayer

Acts 1:14 ESV

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

See also Ac 2:42; Ac 4:23–31; Ac 6:4; Ac 12:5

Paul, who prayed for all the churches which he founded or visited

Colossians 1:9 ESV

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,