This morning’s focus in a devotion I regularly use sparked this thought in me: How powerless is a prayerless life? Then I started asking myself some other questions, like: “How long can I hold my breath?” (It’s been said that breathing to the physical life is like prayer to the spiritual life.) Or “How powerful is an unplugged power tool?” (Ah, but what if I have a cordless one? Then, “How long will the battery last without being recharged???”)
The short answer? “Not long,” to all three questions. And, “Not powerful at all.”
So then why do I think I can go for a while—any while—without praying? What in me thinks—ah, but perhaps this is the issue: I am not thinking. I am on automatic. I am coasting. Now, to be sure, there are some relationships that can coast for a bit, but at some point in the relationship a conversation has to start up; some interaction must take place. Otherwise the relationship (both human and divine) will ultimately shrivel up and ….
In this morning’s main text (below), Shepherd David (probably written before he became king), notes that, “The upright will see [the Holy One] face-to-face.” This may be in the ultimate physical sense, but can it also be in a moment by moment daily sense as well? And can this happen through prayer?
….and through this interaction of prayer—through this conversation with the Holy One, my strength is replenished; my battery recharged? I think so. And in this intimate exchange, I begin to see His face more clearly than I have before. The power of the Holy One’s presence in prayer definitely replenishes any draining or discharging I may have experienced prior to this prayerful exchange…don’t you think?
Care to share your thoughts on how powerless a prayerless life can be?
Main Text— Psalm 11:7 (ISV)— 7 Indeed, the LORD is righteous; He loves righteousness; the upright will see Him face-to-face.
Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
Now we see only a blurred reflection in a mirror, but then we will see face to face. Now what I know is incomplete, but then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.—1 Corinthians 13:12 (ISV)
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.—Luke 6:12 (NIV2011)
“Why are you sleeping?” [Jesus] asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”—(Luke 22:46 (NIV84)
Lord Jesus Christ, I put You on as my Breath of Prayer. Forgive me for those times I have held my breath way too long. In Your Grace & Mercy recharge my soul. In Your Name, Amen
Pastor Mike