The Business of Christians Is to Pray
Did you know that prayer is a privilege? I think so. Did you also know that prayer is also our duty? Prayer is our joy, our weapon, and our ministry as Christians. With the words of Martin Luther “As is the business of tailors to make clothes and cobblers to make shoes, so it is the business of Christians to pray.”
The power of prayer is beyond our understanding. As Watchman Nee has said “Our prayers lay the track down which God’s power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, his power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails.” We are foolish not to pray. We are foolish to live without a lifeline to God.
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (Phil. 4:6-7, MSG)
If the business of Christians is pray, we can’t just pray for our own needs. We are called to pray for the whole world. For all who are suffering, all who are lonely, all who are hungry, all who are hopeless, all who are angry.
I especially urge you to take your prayer with you as you go. Pray as you walk, pray for the people passing by. Pray as you are in meetings, pray as you interact with people. Pray when you’re driving, pray as you do your grocery shopping. Pray for the people you meet, pray for the people that let you down. Pray for the people that make you angry. Pray for the people you miss today. Pray, listen, praise.
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. (1 Tim. 2:1-3, MSG)
We are called to pray without ceasing. We are called to pray hard. God will hear us and God will do miracles. Let’s send an avalanche of prayers today and this Lenten season. Let’s let praying become our way to breath, think and process the life around us. Let’s let the Holy Spirit pray in us as we go about our lives. The Holy Spirit will direct our attention and lead our prayers.
God is so good. Let’s take the business of Christians seriously and pray without ceasing. Let’s share the good news of Jesus Christ by praying for people. Let’s pray in action.
Gracious God,
Thank you for calling us to pray.
Thank you for teaching us how to pray.
Direct us to pray according to your will.
Enable us to open our hearts and minds for you:
Bless us to dwell in you wherever we go.
Bless us to pray in action!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: Do you have any prayer requests?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you take the business of Christians seriously and pray without ceasing!
Image courtesy and design by Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Some parts of this post have been previously published in 2011. Linking up with Unite the Bloggersphere and#tellhisstory.
6 thoughts on “The Business of Christians Is to Pray”
I really like that quote– I’d never heard it before!
I’ve been really trying to be intentional about prayer (actually, ‘War Room’ made a difference for me!), and this post was a really great encouragement to keep going.
Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed this post. Prayer does make a big difference when we faithfully keep on doing it. Thanks, Ally! Abundant blessings!
Yes, prayer is definitely both a privilege and a duty. I’ve been reading the book “Fervent” by Priscilla Shirer, It’s a wonderfully, helpful book on prayer! Thanks for sharing some wonderful quotes, verses, and a prayer!
Sounds like an interesting book on the topic. Thanks for sharing, Ann! Bountiful blessings on your way!
Prayer has definitely been on my heart as well. I like the image of laying down the tracks for God to bring His power! Thanks for your encouragement today!
That’s great, Judy! Thank you for sharing. God bless you richly!