Taking Prayer Seriously
Take the plunge.
It is our nature to hesitate, stall, and complicate; to analyze everything to death.
But there is a time to just try things to see what happens in spite of the risks of embarrassment and failure.
Risk for many is too risky even when we are talking about just closing our eyes and talking in our minds.
We don’t even have to believe in God to pray.
It happens all the time in near-death experiences.
Sadly, for many, that is what it will take.
For Christians, praying is the most dangerous thing we can do to weaken and tear down evil.
Praying is inextricably linked to being salt and light.
It is life’s power cord.
Funny, it is also what the world sees as weakness. To them it’s a fall back into superstition rather than trusting the science.
Learn to pray by praying.
Don’t wait for proof.
If you feel silly, see this hesitancy for what it really is — a force of opposition. Something or someone somewhere doesn’t want you to pray.
I believe it is because it knows it will unlock a power that will turn you into someone very dangerous to the forces of darkness.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.