Those believers who diligently pray understand that not only is prayer powerful, but it is also work. But not only that, it is spiritual warfare against Satan and his minions. Watchman Nee once said: “Prayer is work. The experiences of many children of God demonstrate that it accomplishes far more than does any other form of work. It is also warfare, for it is one of the weapons in fighting the enemy. However, only prayer in the spirit is genuinely effectual.”1
I know in my own life that prayer is hard work and takes discipline to be consistent in prayer. I maintain a long prayer list which usually take an hour to pray over each day. While seeing God answer my prayers is a great joy and delight, on many occasions I must diligently and patiently wait for His answers. However, on some days I get so caught up with so much activity I miss praying over my prayer list. My friends, this should not be, since I believe the most effective ministry a Christian can have is one of prayer. Prayer must be a priority or else I find we will often miss our prayer time. Yes, it is work but it is so important and should never be looked at as a duty but as a privilege and a delight.
In addition, prayer is spiritual warfare. Notice in (Ephesians 6:10-12) we read: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” After Paul shares what the full armor of God is in (Ephesians 6:13-17), he talks about how important prayer is in this battle: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18). Putting on the full armor of God and praying in the Spirit are amazingly powerful and will always defeat “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
So, while prayer is work and warfare, it is also God’s wonderful way of allowing us to commune with Jesus throughout the day, letting Him know what our burdens are, as well as praising Him, thanking Him for answered prayer and His goodness to us, asking for forgiveness of sin, and just saying hi, and I love you!
My fellow believers if prayer is not a high priority in you Christian walk, I pray you will make it one – you will not only be blessed but you will play a vital role in advancing God’s kingdom and giving Him glory!
So true! Prayer that is powerful and effectual is demanding of body, soul, and spirit to tear down strongholds and build God’s Kingdom on earth. Without it, we cannot and God will not!