Ephesians 6:10-20

I struggle to pray.

Not because I don’t want to. No, I struggle to direct my thoughts. I struggle to concentrate and have to try my best to focus. But looking back at the end of my prayer I’ve solved the problems with my caravan canopy, thought about places to sow in God’s Kingdom, and much more. If I could only keep my thoughts focused on prayer the whole time!

But we should not stop praying. The power of prayer should never be underestimated. Corrie ten Boom said that prayer is the engine room of the congregation. If a congregation does not pray enough, it will not go far.

That’s true for you and me too. If we do not pray enough, our engine will not run fast enough to get us somewhere in the world. Therefore, 18In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long.

We should never stop praying! Pray the whole day long! Pray for every little thing! Because, you know, 18… prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare.

You struggle with many things every day. We come to cross-roads in life and do not know which way to go. Every question has more than one answer. Even those people we ask do not give the same answer. Some people have to make major career choices. Some have to decide what should happen to their children. But also normal, everyday choices. How do you know which is the right one?

We struggle to become quiet, but when the paw paw strikes the fan, we quickly call on God. Yes, as they say when you’re in need, you pray. Then we grab onto God with everything we have and expect an instant solution – just add water. Sort of like when Jesus added something and turned water into wine.

It’s OK, we can ask, we should ask, because God always has the answer, but the big question is: Do we always wait for the answer? Do we wait to hear God’s voice, or are we giving instructions from the side?

We must wait on God’s voice. Maybe not an audible whisper in your ear. But is there enough time for God to work in your thoughts so that you can find the answer?

There are thousands of stories of prayer that worked. The following one is a simple and powerful one:

After dropping my son at school I saw a woman walking next to the road. I stopped and gave her a lift. I could see that she was sad. I asked her: “Hey, Mama, what’s wrong this morning?

Then she told me that she had been looking for work for three days and had become so discouraged, because she couldn’t find work anywhere

I said to her: “Let’s pray together and trust that work will come.” So she and I prayed together in the car before I dropped her off.

About a month ago I met up with her as she was walking along the road. She hugged me and said: “Baba, I found work for every day of the week. Thank you, Baba, for praying with me”.

I was in tears and we prayed together again to thank the Lord for Nannatjie’s work!

My friend, let’s make time to be quiet before God. Let’s make a date. Let’s become quiet so that we can hear God here in our thoughts again. And remember, do not stop praying for your family, for your friends, for strangers and for the weak and also for your enemies. This is kind of a command: 18… Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. 19And don’t forget to pray for me.

Reflection

At what time every day can you make a date with the Lord?

What do you want to hear from Him?

What are you struggling with?

Prayer

Our Father in heaven, thank you for also being here on earth. Thank you that You hear me now. I really want to spend more time with You. I want to hear from You what I should do. Please help me to make a daily date with You and to keep it. Amen