Once when Jesus had been out praying, one of his disciples came to him as he finished and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 (NLT)
Most of us are aware that today is the National Day of Prayer. Many of us have already met with, or will meet with other believers today, to unite our voices in prayer for our nation and the challenges we face. Prayer is currently an urgent need in this country and across the world for that matter.
The disciple who voiced his desire to Jesus wanted to know how to pray with effective power. A prayer that would move God. A prayer that would be answered. A prayer that would stimulate miracles. Mountain-moving prayer. Deliverance prayer. We can all identify with this guy.
In reply, Jesus gave his disciples principles to follow (vss. 2-4). But, as you know, we need to know how to pray not simply what to pray. So, Jesus illustrated how to pray . . . persistently and boldly. Also in his illustration we learn when to pray . . . when the need demands it, convenient or not.
Well, the needs all around us certainly require the intervention of God. He is the loving, heavenly Father who desires to respond to his children’s requests. But he wants us to ask, seek, and knock. “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (vss. 9-10 NLT). He is moved by our prayers.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Empower us today with faith, boldness, and persistence to make our requests known to you. Only you can change what needs to be changed. We simply ask that your will be done in the earth as it is done in heaven and believe that it is so. What you have promised we believe. In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God who is moved by our prayers,