Today we will reflect upon the 3rd P of Promise; persistence. The previous two P's were pivotal decision and path.
This coming Sunday will be the 33rd anniversary of my ordination so of course the theme of persistence was brewing within me. When I entered seminary to pursue ordination I remember being asked why I wanted to become a minister. My response was sure and direct.
"I want to be a man of prayer!"
To attain this goal has required persistence. However, when I reflect upon my prayer life I must confess that it can be described as a sporadic discipline which is often expressed spontaneously. Clear as mud? What I'm saying is that my prayer life isn't as consistent as I'd like and I have to persistently work at it. Maybe you can relate.
I have found that turning to scripture can enhance and deepen my prayer life. Scripture encourages us to be persistent in prayer:
"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." -1 Thessalonians
"Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit." -Luke 18:1
Both these readings emphasize the persistence of prayer but have very different stories related to them. Feel free to look them up and notice the differences.
If you are like me you can take heart that even though it's difficult to pray consistently, we are not on our own and God's spirit offers up prayers for us:
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words."
-Romans 8: 26
Scripture can help us be persistent in prayer. If you'd like to learn how to use scripture to enhance and deepen your prayer life join us for FOCUS, our prayer retreat on Saturday, September 19.
To R.S.V.P., contact Karla Arnold or
phone 770-813-9009, ext. 240.
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, bless us with the gift of your Spirit so that we will remain constant in prayer; lifting up neighbors who are in need, seeking guidance for our lives, and offering praise and thanksgiving for the multitude of your blessings. Amen.
