Are You ‘Preprayered’ for Life?
“…pray continually…” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Prayer is the best way to prepare for whatever lies ahead. Thus, the made-up word, ‘preprayered’ in the title of this week’s devotion. Do you have a big day ahead with big decisions to make? Do you need wisdom and guidance for what comes next, or for how to respond to a sensitive issue, or to navigate a challenging relationship? The best way to be prepared to move forward in any and every situation is to pray.
The Old Testament Israelite leader, Nehemiah, provides a great example of being ‘preprayered’. Nehemiah was still being held as one of the Jewish captives in Persia when he heard that the captives who had returned to their homeland were in “great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem was broken down, and its gates had been burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:3)
When he heard this Nehemiah said, “I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” (vs. 4) Prayer and fasting were his preparation for action. Prayer was his habit.
Starting the day with prayer was King David’s practice: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:2). Both David and Nehemiah replaced anxiety and worry with confident prayer. That’s biblical. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Praying helps us to prepared by keeping us in step with the Spirit and prevents us from just acting in the strength of our flesh. Jesus said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38)
Prayer is not optional. Without prayer you will not be prepared. “With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18b).
Are you ‘preprayered’ today?
Having begun as a guest speaker in 2005, Dan was appointed Interim Pastor in 2008 and has been serving Maple Root Baptist ever since. As a small group leader and Chaplin for the Connecticut Tigers, Dan has a heart for the lost and the God that saves them.