Praying Down the House

“Mama, this is the most important thing I’ve ever gotten!” CJ exclaimed. She was so excited because a missionary couple from our church had put together a prayer board just for her … various pictures of the couple and the countries they are going to minister in. On the back, they had written a special note to let CJ know how important her prayers are to them. CJ’s fascination with this couple and their upcoming mission has touched their hearts, as well as mine. Though she was faithful to pray for them before, I have no doubt this is going to kick her prayer life into overdrive.

God has given CJ an amazing gift of prayer. When she hears a prayer need, she doesn’t just say “I’ll be praying for you” and then forget it. She has a genuine interest in whatever she is praying for, and is consistent in her prayers until the need is met. Oh, how I wish I had such a heart for prayer! Too often, I commit to pray for a need, and then tuck it into the back of my brain … where it is soon forgotten.

Jesus spent a lot of time talking to His disciples about the power of prayer. One of those conversations is our third 40 by 40 verse:

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
- Matthew 21:22

After the Resurrection, the disciples finally started to realize the truth of His teaching. We may find ourselves judging them for their lack of faith, but do we really believe that prayer is the key to the Kingdom of Heaven? If so, why aren’t we praying more and complaining less? We have the assurance that if we ask in God’s will, it shall be accomplished. Our prayers can release angels of Heaven to carry out God’s plan, and can keep Satan’s army at bay. In their note to CJ, the missionaries reminded her that her prayers can take Jesus to people on the other side of the world. God is listening. Why aren’t we asking?

Beyond our petitions, prayer is a time to discover God’s purpose for our lives. We can relax in the freedom of being our true selves and revel in His extravagant love. In prayer, we experience His presence in a way nothing else can match. When CJ was 3, she once told me that we can touch God. Then she held out her hands, closed her eyes, and said “Let’s touch Him now.” I’ll never forget that moment for as long as I live.

The enemy is attacking as never before. He is trying to frustrate us and make us ineffective Kingdom workers. We are surrounded by moral decay, pain and suffering. The only way we can stand is to hit our knees. Isn’t it time to get serious about prayer?

The prayer board will find a place of honor in our home. Although the gift was meant for CJ, God has used it to prick my heart. Not only will the board remind CJ that her prayers are important … it will remind her mother that a strong prayer life is vital. I’m ready to release some angels … aren’t you?


Melissa

P.S. - As of this morning, I'm exactly 7 pounds lighter! :-)