Did You Think to Pray?
A guest post by Chase Green.
Perhaps a bit ironic, but isn’t it interesting that we often forget to pray through life’s ups and downs?
I’m reminded of a song called “Did You Think to Pray,” by Mary A. Kidder:
“Ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray? In the name of Christ our Savior, did you sue for loving favor, as a shield today? Chorus: O how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day; So when life seems dark and dreary, don’t forget to pray.”
Sometimes, life throws curveballs. Sometimes, tragedy strikes. Sometimes life offers pleasant surprises. Sometimes, sometimes, sometimes. Throughout life’s ups and downs, it can become tempting to be absorbed in ourselves, and to forget the God Who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8).
Do we remember to praise Him? Do we “sue for (His) loving favor?” Do we trust Him in life’s difficult moments?
When we rise out of bed in the morning, do we think of God’s mercies and blessings (Lam. 3:22-23)? Do we consider focusing at least three times a day for prayer (Dan. 6:10; Psa. 55:17)? Do we pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17)?
Prayer can help us in so many ways.
It can help us realize the need to cast all our burdens upon God instead of ourselves (1 Pet. 5:7).
It can help us find wisdom for important decisions and spiritual discernment (Jms. 5:1-6).
It can help us find relief from the guilt we face when we sin (Psa. 25:6-7).
It can help us as we seek to help others with their sins (spiritual sickness) as well (Jms. 5:15b-20).
And of course, prayer can also help the physically sick (Jms. 5:14-15a, 16b).
When we look at the Scriptures and how often they point to the power of prayer, may we never forget the importance of starting and ending each day with this magnificent spiritual blessing, found only in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
When you left your room this morning, did you think to pray?
Chase Green is a good friend that I spent some time with in preaching school - he graduated in the class before me. Chase preaches for the Marietta Church of Christ in Marietta, Oklahoma.
Chase hosts the Everyday Christian podcast with the Scattered Abroad Network.
Our lifeline, umbilical cord to our Savior.