Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.
Jeremiah 33:3 (The Message)
What a Privilege Prayer Is
There’s a Christian hymn that says what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. I’m asking myself if I consider it a privilege to pray or is it just something I take for granted. We have examples in scripture with many individuals who did not take prayer for granted and their lives were changed because of it.
- Psalm 3:4–6 David (when fleeing from Absalom his son) “I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I awoke again, for the Lord sustained me.“
- Acts 16:25–26 About midnight Paul and Silas (in prison in Philippi) were praying and singing hymns to God and . . . suddenly there was a great earthquake . . . and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.
It is a privilege to pray—to bring our needs, cares, and concerns to God. It’s also a privilege—and an obligation—to pray for others.
- Acts 12:5 says Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. Then in verse 11 Peter says, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod.”
- Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you. (1 Samuel 12:23)
- And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. (Job 42:8)
Prayer. What power. What a privilege.
Anonymous says
Thank you so much for this very helpful reminder. It really is part of our “job” as Christians to.pray. Paul wrote “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4: 2).
Kelli says
Amen.