Jesus told His disciples in John 16:24, “You haven’t done this before. Ask, using My name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.”
What is prayer? It is approaching God in word or thought, often with an earnest request. It can consist of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession (going to God on behalf of others).
A question that I have wrestled with through the years has been: Why is it easier for some people to pray than it is for others? I know some who find such joy in prayer they can hardly bring themselves to do anything else. I know others who are mightily used of God, but who do not have the same victory in prayer. They pray, but it is not their strong point.
Some find joy in teaching the Word, others in witnessing, others in some sort of service behind the scenes. They pray, but it is more of a struggle. What is the answer to this?
Frankly, I think there must be some people among us in the Body of Christ who are specifically called to pray. Prayer is their life. But it is also evident in the Word of God that all of us are commanded to pray. Our calling may be to evangelize or to serve or whatever. But mark this: None of it will be productive if we ignore prayer. Prayer must undergird all we do!!
Jesus said to pray in His Name. He is our Mediator. He is our only way to God. And when we do, God will fulfill our joy. Prayer is one of the keys to a joyful Christian life.
Carry this thought today – PRAYER IS WHERE THE JOY IS!!
Bro. Tim Owens – Pastor
