We talk about prayer a lot. We say I’ll pray for you. We say a blessing over our food. We have a nightly prayer routine with our children. We often pray, but do we really pray. I mean really really pray?
I had a praying grandfather. He was the kind of grandfather who literally changed the course of history with the prayers that he prayed. When he prayed he knew exactly how powerful prayer was. When you heard him pray you knew it too. He did not pray aloud very often, and when he did pray he didn’t use eloquent wording. He just spoke normally. He spoke as if he were speaking to a person he knew, loved, and cared for.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b
The prayers he prayed that shaped the future of his children and grandchildren were his private prayers. He had a special place where he prayed at night. In my grandparent’s home there was a small hallway with a heater. Right in front of that heater was what we knew as “grandpa’s chair.” Every night he would walk to his chair, and he would be there for hours just spending time with God. He would get down on his knees and pray for ages every single night without fail. I am sure there were nights he was tired, or sick, or possibly just not in the mood. But every time I spent the night or the week with Grandpa he was faithfully there at his chair.
When we had our family reunion this year my cousin talked about Grandpa’s prayers, and told us how Grandpa’s faithfulness had impacted his life. I can say that probably every single one of my many cousins, and Aunts, and Uncles would say the same thing. When I think about Grandpa I always think of his prayers.
Now I have something to confess. I don’t pray like Grandpa. I do pray, but I pray a lot like Jesus disciples. I often fall asleep, or I get distracted and lose my train of thought. I sometimes realize that “oops” I forgot. I think I might not be the only one.
The world in which we live has been shaken up a bit this year. When I pray now, I realize who I am praying to. I know how much I need help with this life. I don’t get as distracted because there is nothing else in this world more important than going before God’s throne for help because I cannot do this in my own strength. Grandpa knew this. I thank God he is teaching me this as well. This year has been crazy, but it’s also the year that has taught me more than I’ve ever known about how much I need God. He has given me strength that I know I don’t have. He has taught me about boldness and about courage, and I am so thankful for all that this year has brought.
The course of my life was shaped by my Grandfather’s prayers. Unfortunately he is not around any longer. My children, husband, parents, family, and friends need intercession as well. I have to fill in the gap. I have to become strong in my prayer life. I can’t be lazy. There is no excuse.
I hope and I pray that 2020 is changing your spiritual life as well. I hope you are searching scripture, and learning to pray in a brand new way. I pray that instead of worrying we learn true trust. I pray the things of this world go strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. I want more of Him and less of me to be seen. I want to speak His truth, and feel His presence, and share His love.
May God draw us to Him. May 2021 prepare our hearts for His coming. May we seek His face!
Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
GA
Voice of the Introverts 