The
First Alternative
by Pastor Jack Hayford
Humankind waits
until all else fails. Then we pray.
Disciples of
Jesus are prayer-learners: We learn to pray in prayer and by prayer.
Like everything else with discipleship, there is a constant growth
pattern available to us. Nothing happens fast, but the joy we experience
is just in knowing something is happening.
Where are you,
fight now, in prayer-learning?
It's a highly
important question. Important to you, personally, and important
to the body of Christ, collectively. In my own life, as Christ's
man, wanting to learn His lifestyle with the Holy Spirit's help,
I have found some challenging passages inviting my response to more
prayer· I see Jesus at prayer, and it moves me:
… He withdrew
to be alone in prayer (Mark 6:46; Luke 9:18, 22:41);
… He prayed
for extended periods of time (Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12);
… He prayed
frequently (Luke 5:15,16)
I hear Jesus
teaching prayer, and it prompts me to action:
... He taught
solitude in prayer (Matthew 6:6);
... He taught
humility and tenacity in prayer (Luke 11:1-13);
... He taught
faithfulness in prayer (Luke 18:1);
... He taught
power in prayer (Mark 11:22-26).
Why do we get
so busy at everything other than prayer? Why do we say so often,
"Well, I've prayed, but what can I do?" Why does our flesh
find it so painfully necessary to "sweat it," rather than
to "cast" it? (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7). Why don't messages
like those in the hymns "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"
and "Take Your Burden to the Lord and Leave It There"
lay permanent hold on our soul? What can you and I do today--right
now--that will begin to make a difference in this all-important
area of our lives?
Answer:
Begin
to pray and praise immediately when different situations arise.
Start now.
Speak
to Jesus about each matter that begins to trouble you. Don't wait.
Cease
from the exhausting toil of carrying worries and cares on your
own shoulders. Release them.
Seize
every opportunity to pray with and for people. Take advantage.
Let me suggest
some possibilities for additional action: (1) This week, don't get
into bed without first getting beside it. Review the day, and leave
all unresolved matters with Him. (2) This week go to a prayer meeting
or pray with one or two other Christian friends. The sharing in
prayer will be a strength to you and to those you pray for. (3)
This month, set aside half a day (say, from 8:00 to 11:00 or noon
on a day off, or take an evening) and get alone with the Savior--in
the Word and prayer·
You may be
surprised to see yourself become a person of power in prayer… a
person who comes to learn that when you have prayed, you have done
the most completely adequate thing that can be done.
When you’ve
done that, "anything else" will be taken care of by Him
who does all things well." |
Jack
Hayford Ministries
14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405-2233