THINK UPON THESE THINGS !

THINK UPON THESE THINGS !

WHY PRAY?

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much – James 5:16

We know God, is Almighty in power and does all things after His own counsel. Paul in writing to the Ephesian Church tells us: that God worketh all things after the counsel of his own will (Eph 1:11b). In the Book of Daniel we find these words: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? (Dan 4:35) After considering the above verses and knowing of God’s perfect sovereignty and power, the question might come to mind: should I even bother to pray? If God is always going to do His will, and His will is always perfect why pray? The first of many reasons is that we are commanded to pray. Matthew 6:6a, says: “But thou, when thou prayest”, Paul instructed the Ephesian Church in this manner, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” In his writings to the Thessalonians,” Pray without ceasing”. James in the opening scripture exhorts us to be diligent in fervent prayer. Therefore it is important to recognize that the answer as to why we should pray comes from the same God Who tells us that He “works all things after the counsel of His own will.” This very same God informs us that effectual, fervent prayer on the part of His people avails, not just a little, but much! How can this be? How can an immutable, all-knowing, sovereign, eternal God listen to our prayers and consider them to influence the outcome of events great and small? This is something that I do not understand and we may never know or understand. But this we do know: God tells us that our prayers are heard and does have an impact. So then, when we are troubled or burdened we should pray. We should respond to temptation or trial by praying. What should we do on behalf of sick? Pray. What is our responsibility toward our civil authorities ? Pray for them. How can we make a difference in our nation and in our families and in our churches? Pray. What should we do when prayers are answered? Offer up a prayer of Thanksgiving! Why pray? We are commanded to pray and we have the assurance from God that we will be heard. Psalms 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear

By His Grace,

Brother Edward