One of my favorite quotes on prayer was shared by George Herbert: “Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.”1 As I thought about this idea of prayer being the key of the day I began to realize that prayer is indeed so important because it is our most vital link to connect us with our Lord for supplying us with guidance, protection, encouragement, and overall well-being.
As we commune with God in prayer, especially in conjunction with reading His Word, He will give us the best advice to handle all of the issues of our day. In our world, where making right godly decisions is more important than ever, it is essential that we hear the voice of the Lord. And wisdom and guidance is something God delights to give those who commune with Him in daily prayer.
And when it comes to protecting us from the negative forces that surround us, prayer is key to having the Lord build a shield around us. God knows that we live in a world with many spiritual enemies, but when we take up the shield of faith and pray, the Lord will always be there to ensure that the fiery darts of evildoers will not penetrate our spiritual armor.
Prayer is also a great tonic to encourage us in our walk with the Lord. I can’t think of anything more awesome than just talking to Jesus. He is so kind, gentle, and loves us so much that when we talk with Him in prayer He will always be there to cheer us on as we journey through life – and what can be more encouraging than that!
In addition, prayer has a wonderful way of helping us realize just how special we are, that the Creator of the universe delights and enjoys our company when we talk to Him in prayer. For myself, I know that Jesus is my best friend, my ever present help in times of trouble, my guide, my strong tower, and most of all my Lord. Knowing that I am special to God and that Jesus will never leave me nor forsake me adds so much to my overall well-being.
And when George Herbert says that prayer should be the lock of the night what better way to fall asleep than in prayer! There is just something overwhelming comforting about closing out the night in prayer to Jesus. How precious to close our eyes and then go over our day in communion with the Lord before we fall off into sleep. And how exciting to know that when we wake up the next day we can resume our fellowship and worship with our heavenly Father.
My friends the Christian life is a great adventure and we have been given the incredible privilege to pray and talk with Jesus as often as we like. My prayer is that you will talk to Jesus and walk with Him every day – since in my humble opinion there can be no greater joy and delight than to spend time in the presence of the Lord!