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Prayer as a Priority

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.¹

 

Prayer should be a priority for anyone who desires to be used by God. Christ often set aside to spend time with His Father (Matthew 14:22-23). If He needed to pray, then surely so do we! Those who fend for themselves get tired of carrying unnecessary burdens.

 

Carrying that extra weight has other serious results as well. When we are spiritually, emotionally, or physically exhausted, we are more susceptible to discouragement. By not spending time in prayer and Bible study, we enter a cycle where problems look bigger and bigger as human solutions fail.

 

Loss of confidence is soon followed by doubt. Someone who questions the faithfulness of God will seek refuge in anything except prayer and the Bible. But a believer immersed in them will find security in His power and presence.

 

Neglecting prayer leads to negative results, but that can be reversed at any time. Confess your lack of prayer and prioritize your time with God. He is waiting for you with open arms, ready to lighten your burdens (Matthew 11:28-30), offer encouragement, and fill your heart with confidence.

 

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be mindful when I neglect prayer and my alone time with you. I ask your forgiveness for the times I have left my time studying the Word for later due to lack of time. Lord, help me to have my priorities clear by putting You first in my life, as the center of my life. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV).

 

The Encounter for today was written by: Rosina N.