There are many crises occurring in the world and in people’s lives as much now, if not more, than there ever were—imprisoned and persecuted Christians, the plight of Syria’s children, the physical and emotional suffering of many individuals to name just a few.  I have heard the impassioned pleas for prayer by many people, some request prayer for getting God to do what they want, but most are soulful cries from anguished hearts who desperately long for the presence of our loving God to invade their lives with miraculous intervention.

…and I will say a few words, off the top of my head, as a prayer to God.  I believe our Father is listening, but I am not really sure where my heart is focused (if at all) in this process of prayer.  I experienced a very “for example” moment this evening when my niece (my sister’s daughter) asked for prayer for her mom who fell and broke her wrist earlier and was still at the ER.  It was so easy to breathe a quick prayer for healing and comfort and then move on to other things.

Yet there is a complex spiritual dynamic at work in every cry for help and if I am willing to engage my heart and my mind in what God wants to do through the very difficult moments of life, I have the opportunity to partner with Him and witness His miraculous power, working to save and change lives.  A very vivid instance of this spiritual reality took place centuries ago in a garden near Jerusalem where Jesus implored his disciples, his friends, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”  His response when sleep overcame them—“Could you not watch with me one hour?  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:38, 40-41).  In this vulnerable moment, Jesus gives validity to everyone who reaches out to others for prayerful support; frequently, however, our human weaknesses stop us from giving this vital reinforcement.

I recognize that it takes effort to stop. …to refocus my heart and my mind on God, to listen to Him, and to direct my prayers as the Holy Spirit leads—my flesh, my human nature is weak and not inclined to do so.  I have a choice, though.  Very rarely do I find myself in a situation where I cannot quiet my heart and consciously approach the throne of God.

Jesus asked His disciples to do more than pray, He petitioned them to “watch!”  Living with my daughter who is in the Navy, I thought she could give me a helpful perspective about being “on watch”—she did, but not what I expected.  Her responsibilities vary with where she is stationed; for instance, the differences between being on a ship or on shore duty, yet wherever she is “on watch” she is engaged in performing what is required of her.  One of my favorite “watch” verses has a military tone, also:  “The scatterer has come up against you.  Man the ramparts; watch the road; dress for battle; collect all your strength” (Nahum 2:1).

Rather than defaulting to weakness, as Holy Spirit-filled Christians we have the opportunity to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” by equipping ourselves with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10).  Paul concludes his instruction on spiritual warfare by writing, “…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.”

Instead of inadequacy or inability, I wonder if some of the hesitation we feel when it comes to prayer springs from an uncertainty that our prayers really make a difference.  Sometimes the reason is not so much about unbelief on our part—we trust God, we study scripture, we hear testimonies from those who have experienced miracles or received healing—yet, a personal sense of insignificance creates a reluctance to pray.  Granted, one could label that “unbelief”; however, trying to manufacture faith in order to get God to work is unbelief, also.

Recognizing our significance has nothing to do with pride or arrogance; in fact, it is much easier to assume the role of a servant when we are secure in our relationship with the Father and the value He places on our lives.  He considers you worth dying for (John 3:16).  He formed you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13, 14).  He has an amazing purpose for your life (Psalm 139:16-18); and He not only has good plans for you, He hears you when you pray (Jeremiah 29:11-13).  One of my favorite parables is the story Jesus told of the one lost lamb (Luke 15)—the shepherd left the ones behind who thought they did not need him, to search for the vulnerable one.  It reminds me of Jesus’ incredible love, that nothing stopped Him from hunting me down and rescuing me from destruction.

There are so many more affirming verses throughout scripture—it is crucial that we listen to what God has to say about us, His creation, instead of the demeaning opinions of the world, the harsh words of others, or the intimidations of the enemy.  When we grasp the love and significance God gives to our lives, our prayer life will become ever more pleasurable and purposeful!