Privilege of Prayer

HE SPAKE a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1

Welcome to day two of the Ten Days of Prayer. In these ten days, it is the goal to draw into a closer relationship with God and men. In the parable of our text today, there was of the unjust judge who finally granted the request of the widow, not on the basis of justice, but because of her persistency. Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. By Calvin Coolidge

As we take a look at the word parable, we learn that it comes from the Latin parabola, which means comparison or illustration. It is a thing figuratively expressed-a figure or similitude. The purpose of our text today teach all not to lose heart in prayer and give up too soon. Faintness is a condition of weakness or weariness. It symbolizes the loss of hope and faith. It describes one who becomes discouraged and gives up. It is the opposite of hope, faith, courage, and persistency.

The widow of the parable repeatedly came and entreated the judge. She refused to take “No” for an answer because she knew that her cause was just and that it was the duty of the judge to grant her request. He doubtless treated her discourteously and did everything possible to discourage her, but to no avail. The judge is called “unjust” by way of contrast with a just God. If an unjust judge will finally render justice and grant the persistent request of a suppliant, surely “the God of Justice” will hear and answer the requests of His people when they are in harmony with His will.

This is true even “though He bear long with them” or “although He seems slow in taking action on their behalf.” (Weymouth.) To us, God sometimes seems slow in answering our prayers. What is the reason for this delay? Most answers to prayer must be delayed for the good of those who pray. Prayer does not change God, nor does it change His mind. He already knows our needs and longs to supply them. He even anticipates our needs before we pray. “It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24.

Prayer changes us. It changes our attitude and our character. It prepares us to receive and appreciate what God finally gives us. Parents ruin their children when they immediately grant every request. Such children become greedy, selfish, self-centered, proud, and unappreciative. They are often ruined for this life and for all eternity. The best children, and later the most useful and unselfish men and women, are those whose requests were often denied or at least delayed until their characters were developed. By years of self-denial and discipline in the school of experience, they learned to be unselfish and appreciative. The greatest men and women are developed in the school of hard knocks. Would our heavenly Father be less wise than earthly parents in training His children?

 Even though God does hear and answer the persistent prayer of faith, Jesus ended the parable with the question, “Nevertheless when the Son of man comes, shall He find faith on the earth?” Because of delayed answers to prayer, faith sometimes wanes. Faith will be especially scarce in the last days, when it should be the most plentiful. The question of Jesus is answered in Revelation 14:12, where we are told that our Lord will be welcomed at His return by a people who have “the faith of Jesus.” “The faith of Jesus,” or the kind of faith Jesus had, will be obtained in the same way He obtained His faith-”by prayer and fasting.” (See Matthew 17:19-21)

Only praying people develop faith, and only those who enter into the prayer life of Jesus can have the same kind of miracle-working faith He had. Such a people will be on earth when He returns. A people of faith who are persistent in prayer will proclaim a message that will lighten the earth with its glory. The greatest need of the modern church is a spiritual revival, and this will come only in answer to prayer. Every revival since Pentecost has been produced by a few praying saints who were persistent in their requests.

The refreshing showers of the early rain came in answer to the continual prayers of a small group. It is not necessary to wait for a mass movement in the church. One righteous person can move the arm of God. The power that shook the world in the great Reformation came from the secret place of prayer. From the same source must come the power that will complete the Reformation and bring a people back to the faith and practice of Christ and the apostles.

Prayer is therefore the greatest privilege of Christians in this sinful and rebellious world. It is the breath of spiritual life to the soul. It is to the spiritual life what breathing is to the physical. But its neglect leads to certain spiritual death.

Prayer is communion, or conversation, with God. It is the golden cord that connects man with God. It is the power that moves the arm that moves the world.

Prayer can change the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. It makes the future as bright as the promises of God.

Someone has said, “Prayer is the golden river at whose brink some die of thirst while others kneel and drink.” Let us not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6, 7

Song of the Day: Andrea Bocelli - The Lord's Prayer.

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to tuccigardenministry.gmpost.blogger.com     

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin Santucci

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement through this devotional, please forward this email of faith on to them today: gardenministry.blogspot.com