The Help of Prayer
Whenever we face a difficulty in our lives, our first response should be prayer. The Lord Jesus Christ works on our behalf through prayer. Too many times, prayer is the last thing we do. We are told in James 5:16, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) availeth much.” So many things in our lives can be positively affected by the power of prayer.
Let me give you a few of the wonderful things the Lord will do in our lives through prayer:
He can transform our lives. Paul gives us a list of what God will do in Colossians 1:9–12. We are told in verse 9, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” Take time to read all the other verses.
It will give us protection from Satan (2 Thessalonians 3:1–3). I am sure you realize we are in a battle with our enemy Satan. He hates God and hates us because we are His children. He will give you help and protection through our prayer lives. We access God‘s power by praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Prayer helps us deal with temptation. All of us face temptation each day. The Lord told us in Mark 14:38, “Watch you and pray unless you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Our prayer time with the Lord is vital to our success and victory.
Prayer enables us to have a daily attitude of thanksgiving and praise. Read about Paul and Silas in prison in the city of Philippi. They were beaten and placed in stocks, yet they sang and prayed to God. Their prayer lives gave them this attitude. Read Acts 16:25.
Sharing our faith. Through prayer we can ask God to open doors for us to share His gospel (Colossians 4:3).
Let me encourage you to take advantage of your privilege to pray. Share your need with the Lord and watch Him work.
