Daily Devotions - Monday - September 7

We are told in Jeremiah “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” These are powerful words; a promise from God. Why then would we not pray? We have many reasons. And even when we do pray, prayer can become just another option for us; something to pick up and put down for our own purposes. But it can—and should be—so much more.
 
Prayer is a mighty vehicle for us. It is something we use to carry out the purposes of God. We know prayer can increase our ministry. We know prayer will boost the harvest. We pray so we can lead. We pray so we can work. We pray so we can preach. We pray so we can accomplish what God wants us to accomplish. We pray so we can talk to God. We pray so we can hear from God.
 
Prayer and the life of prayer are spiritual practices. I cannot explain them to you. They must be experienced. I’ve seen a myriad of T-shirts and bumper stickers that say, “Prayer changes things.” But prayer does not change things. Prayer has no power whatsoever on its own. If simply being enthusiastic about prayer as a powerful vehicle were enough, I could pray to anything and receive an answer. Prayer doesn’t change things; God changes things! I’ll say it again: It is not prayer or even a life of prayer that brings us power, it is the God to whom we pray who has all power.
 
Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” The church has been called to do something: pray continually! You and I have been called to do something: pray continually. We are to pray without stopping. Prayer is essential in the life of a Christian. Whatever has gone on in the past, you can decide today that you’re going to become a person who prays—a person who maintains a lifestyle of prayer. I’ve made the decision—I will pray. Won’t you join me?
 From Conversation with God: The Power of Prevailing Prayer by Brian Sutton on Youversion