Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, but prayer is the greater work because we can do nothing without God’s help and power. We are dependent on Him and the greater work of prayer is essential for advancing His kingdom, plans and purposes.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
I am passionate about participating in the greater work of prayer. God has given me the desire to spend time serving Him through prayer.
Each morning I have an appointment with the Lord to pray. Every Monday evening, I meet with others at my church to spend one hour in prayer. We know we’re doing the greater work of prayer as we lift up our own requests; as well as the needs and concerns of the world and countries, cities, churches, pastors, ministries, family members, neighbors and strangers to the throne of God.
Each month I also meet with others to pray on a prayer and advisory team for Discipleship Journey’s with Jesus. Twice a month I meet with other mothers to lift up the needs of our adult children. God’s Spirit compels me to pray and I am always blessed when I spend time in prayer.
The greater work of prayer is work indeed; because it requires a sacrifice of time, faith, discipline, focus and effort. I may not always feel like praying, but God’s Spirit compels me, and the rewards are immeasurable and incalculable.
Prayer doesn’t fit us for the greater work, but prayer is the greater work; because without the work of prayer we can do nothing for God. We need Him to be fruitful.
John 15:5-8 says, “5I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (NIV)
The story of every great Christian achievement is the history of answered prayer. –E. M. Bounds
Prayer is a gift from God given to believers in Christ. God has established His Kingdom so that we can receive from Him based on prayer. The Bible confirms that God hears and intervenes in response to the prayers of His people.
James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (NLT)
John 15:7 says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (NIV)
1 John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (NIV)
The greater work of prayer is a privilege and responsibility for Christians. The Bible tells us to pray continually. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Consider the dire consequences of prayerlessness.
Without the greater work of prayer; Individuals, marriages, families, ministries, pastors and churches are left open to the deception and destruction of the devil. They are left vulnerable and susceptible to defeat.
This is because we are in a Spiritual battle being waged in the heavenly realms. The consequences have eternal ramifications; as the souls of people and their salvations are at stake.
But, God has not left us defenseless, because the greater work of prayer is a weapon for believers to give us protection.
Prayer pushes back the darkness, advances God’s Kingdom, protects people, wins souls; and arms believers against the wiles of the devil.
The Apostle Paul recognized the greater work of prayer. He wrote from prison and said:
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV)
If Paul knew his need for prayer, how much more should we recognize its importance in our lives?
Even though Paul was in chains for Christ, he continued to ask for even greater boldness and courage to declare the Gospel. Amazing!
Prayer is the greater work that emboldens and empowers us because we have a great God.
Are you committed to the greater work of prayer?
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Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work. Oswald Chambers | CLICK TO TWEET
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