When to Pray
When should we pray? When is the right time? And, for which purposes should we bother God? Prayer is always in order, and in season. It’s good to pray to our Heavenly Father. It’s good to talk, really talk, with Him. After all, He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is our creator. So who knows us better than He? He knows us so well that He has the number of hairs on our heads numbered. Every time one falls out, and/or changes color, He knows. He is just that involved with us. He is love, and He already loves us. We have to learn to love Him. We cannot accomplish this intimacy without speaking to, and listening to, Him.
The following are some thoughts on the Discipline of Prayer that have guided me (Rev. Reddick) over the years. I am not the expert on the subject, but I can say with authority (and someone coined it before me): “Little prayer, little power - much prayer, much power - no prayer, no power.” The point being- we must pray at all times.
As a young man I (Dr. McGinty) used to be intimidated to approach God in prayer. I did not have this issue as a boy. But, as a man fully aware of my sinfulness, I felt unworthy. To make matters more difficult, I am married to a prayer warrior (term used to describe someone who has the gift of prayer, a special anointing to pray, and intercession). I got beyond that irrational sentiment when I recognized the relationship I (we all) could have. Yes, God is the creator of all things. Yes, He is king of kings. Yes, He is the God of majesty, and the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, buuuuut, He is also Abba, Father. MY father as Jesus meant it. The word "Abba" shows intimacy. The term is from the colloquial vernacular of the time to show connection, love, reverence, and respect that a child has towards his father. So, God is MY father. I love that connection.
In Matthew 6:5-7 we see the word when used repetitively.
V5: And when you pray…
V6: But you, when you pray…
V7: And when you pray…
I (Rev. Reddick) was taught long ago in primary school that the word when is one that indicates time. To put it another way, and in the context of these verses, they tell us that we are to pray. Not if you pray, but when you pray. Luke 18:1 says in part, “…that men ought always to pray and not faint”, and 1 Thess 5:17 says to “Pray without ceasing.”
According to these references we should pray always. In this case, always means always; as in the truest sense of the word. It does not mean that we are to stay on our knees 24-7, becoming a praying hermit. But, it does compel us to operate from a praying spirit. In other words, praying should be the same as breathing. We should be so equipped, and so much in love with God, and the things of God, that praying is a part of our DNA and a necessity for life.
Pray when you don’t feel like it. Pray even when you don’t know what to say. The Holy Spirit will help! Romans 8:26 records these words, “Likewise the Spirit helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” For example, you pray for a supervisor to be moved because he/she is hard on you. But, instead of moving the supervisor, God promotes you, or moves you to a better situation. He knows what the prayer should be. The only way to open up heaven, and all it has for us in this life, is through prayer. And, if Jesus did it often- if praying was a priority for Him (and it was), it should also be for us.
Make the Discipline of Prayer a part of your daily conversation, and encourage your friends, and family to always pray. There is nothing so little, or insignificant, that we cannot carry it to the Lord in prayer. Go to Him for everything, and doubt Him for absolutely nothing. As you grow spiritually you will discover that you won’t be disappointed for spending time with Him.
We love you, and we are praying for you.
~SALT
Dr. McGinty, Rev. Reddick
Sis. Pinky’s Prayer:
Thank you God for the opportunity to come before your throne and converse with you. Help us to remember that we can come to you at any time with any petition.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen
