We Must Pray...

If I'm honest, Prayer is a discipline that I have struggled with during my walk with the Lord. I'm not talking about the prayers I shoot up throughout the day, before a meal, or in those moments when I feel compelled to say a quick prayer; I'm talking about the uninterrupted, purposeful, intentional, devoted prayer we as believers are called to have each and every day. It seems simple enough, even foolish that it would be such a temptation to pass up or a struggle, and yet that is exactly what it is. But why?

A few weeks ago I was listening to a pastor speak about the necessity of prayer. As he spoke I began to realize I wasn't alone. And although fully responsible for my own sinful neglect, it seemed common for a believer to struggle at times with this prayer. As he took us to the Word I began to realize two important things, two reasons why prayer is such a challenge...

1) We are weak
2) Our enemy seeks to keep us from it!

Seems obvious, but then why do we let it hinder us?? It is a reality that we, although redeemed, are still encased in a fleshly body that falls prey to exhaustion, hunger, selfishness, pride...and the list goes on. And because of this, much like the disciples in the garden of gethsemabene with Jesus, we fail to be obedient and to do what is vital to our wellbeing. Prayer is not a "have to" it is a "get to" and we must remember how privileged we are! We must take steps to combat our weak flesh, practical things like where and when we pray. And we must guard ourselves from ourselves!

Second, the enemy is out on the prowl. He is waiting to see whom he can devour. In fact he knows that prayer is our direct line to our master and because of that he will do anything to keep us from it. We must be on guard to his clever schemes, his lies and deceptions, and the traps he lays in our path.

Knowing how necessary prayer is, and the power it truly has should motivate us to it more often. Our love for Him should be our greatest driving force. We must see however that there are obstacles to keep us from it, and resolve to do anything and everything to overcome. Remember the privilege we have as children of God to talk to Him whenever we want...treasure it!