OPENING HEAVEN’S GATES

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2 ESV)

Prayer may be described as our lifeline to God. If God desires us to pray without ceasing, (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV) then it is certain that prayer must be a top priority in our living the Christian life. In prayer, we not only bring our petitions to God, but we also seek His Will for guidance and wisdom in our daily lives. Prayer and worship help us to stop focusing on ourselves and focuses our thoughts on God who is the sovereign ruler of all. This ability to talk with God is a precious privilege and was purchased by the blood of Christ. If we are not praying, we are not communicating with our Father in heaven. A failure to communicate may mean our relationship to Him is in trouble.

Prayer helps us to build our spiritual relationship with God. Prayer nurtures Christian obedience by putting us into the proper frame of mind to submit to God. It strengthens us and increases our confidence in God. A believing Christian prayer will overcome Satan and his evil designs. Prayer will line us up with God’s will and with His enabling power. Through repentance and prayer, we receive forgiveness and the spiritual strength to forgive. Prayer helps us to avoid temptation and provides the wisdom to recognize sin. (Matthew 26:41 ESV) It helps us to glorify God and not make idols of our own interests and desires.

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)

Prayer is absolutely needful for the soul’s health and well-being. We must consistently go to God in prayer because prayerlessness leads to godlessness. Jesus Christ has opened the gates of heaven and through His sacrifice our prayers (in the name of Jesus) can be heard. There are marvelous promises to those who pray and in the Bible we find spectacular examples of the power of prayer. True gospel progress requires prayer to lighten the load of the crosses we bear. Therefore, pray!

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
(Joseph Scriven, “What a Friend we have in Jesus”)