There are many excuses that people make as their reasons not to pray, it might be because they are too tired or they’ve too much to do, but prayer is an important part of our life of faith. It keeps us in a relationship with God and helps to keep our faith alive. St Paul writes, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:11-13) God wants us to persevere in prayer so that he can make use of us, because if we let him, He can do amazing things through us, to bring more and more people to Him.
In the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 16 it tells the story of Paul and Silas being arrested, stripped, beaten and thrown into jail with their feet chained between heavy blocks of wood. To the surprise of the other prisoners Paul and Silas spent the evening in their cell, joyfully praising and praying to God. Suddenly, around midnight, there was a violent earthquake, which shook the prison and all the doors flew open and the chains fell off the prisoners. The jailer was frightened because he thought that all the prisoners had escaped, but when he heard that this was not the case, he was so amazed by the power of God that he was converted and he and all his family were all baptised.
Even after being stripped and beaten, Paul and Silas remained strong in their faith. Others in the same situation would have been miserable and dejected but the two disciples continued to praise God in songs and prayer and this was a great witness to the other prisoners. Through the worship, God revealed his glory to them and to the other inmates and even to the jailer and his family.
St Paul says, “We want to remind you, brothers, of the trouble we had in the province of Asia. The burdens laid upon us were so great and so heavy that we gave up all hope of staying alive. We felt that the death sentence has been passed on us. But this happened so that we should rely not on ourselves, but only on God.” (2 Corinthians 1: 8-9) When we are weak and allow God to work in our lives He will be strong and give us His strength to deal with our problems. So surrender the keys of your life to the one who raises the dead, who calms the storm, who heals the sick, who forgives sinners, whose love endures for ever. To the only God, who alone is all wise be Glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Written by Jerrin Joseph