RPG Adults
I GIVE MYSELF UNTO PRAYER
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
Psalm 109:1-4, 21-31
Matthew 7:7-11
How does one
pray without ceasing?
I GIVE MYSELF UNTO PRAYER
Lying tongues were busy trying to destroy the reputation of David, but he did not defend himself. He committed the matter to the Lord. Prayer is the best reply to lying words of men’s hatred. The Psalmist gave himself unto prayer (Ps 109:4), throwing his heart and soul, mind and strength, into the holy exercise. Like the returning Jacob, he wrestled in prayer. Thus, and thus only, should be our attitude before the throne of grace. Here is an important lesson in prayer. Many of our prayers are quite ineffective. As a shadow has no power because it has no substance, even so our prayer from which our proper self is absent, is utterly ineffective. Let us examine our attitude in prayer. Is there a soul-deep agonising earnestness, a consuming desire, and a burning affectionate love toward the Lord in our prayer?
As an old divine said, “Fervent prayer, like a cannon fired at the gates of Heaven, makes them fly open.” Too often we yield to distractions in prayer. Our thoughts go roving, and we make little impact in the desired direction. Like quicksilver our minds flow rapidly this way and that. There is no proper focus or concentration of power. Ineffectual prayer injures us and insults God.
To give myself unto prayer means to continue and persevere. David did not cry once and give up. His holy clamour continued till it brought down Heaven’s blessing. Prayer must not be casual or occasional, but our daily urgent and serious business. Be immersed in the holy atmosphere of the throne, and pray without ceasing. Lord, teach us to pray!
THOUGHT: Inattention in prayer is like a petitioner before the King playing with a toy in his hand.
PRAYER: Father, teach me to persevere in prayer.