Oswald Chambers said: “Prayer does not equip us for the greater work. Prayer is the greater work.”
Many days in our life pass in a whirlwind. Our attention is pulled in many different directions and conscious choices have to be made about what we spend our time on – what we prioriotise. In the midst of the cries of the demands made on our time and attention, there is a still small voice that call out to give us peace and strength, courage and direction for each day, and for the struggles and battles we face.
Too often we lose sight of the significance of prayer, because it does not seem grand or magnificent in the eyes of the world. But when our eyes open to the spiritual reality of the world around us we understand that prayer is not just important – it is the greatest work we can do.
Prayer opens the door for the God to act: If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Prayer is heard by God: “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)
Prayer changes us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Prayer changes situations: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Prayer IS the battle. Prayer is the ground work, that precedes victory. Ground work is monotonous, tidious, repetivie and vitally important. God has called each of us to be involved in the work in a part of the worls where spiritual change is much needed and very little understood. Ground work is often overlooked for more glamorous activities, but as Edwin Harvey said:
“A day without prayer is a day without blessing, and a life without prayer is a life without power.”
Prayer is the ground work we cannot do without, because it is what God uses to interact with us and the basis changes in the spiritual atmosphere around us. We are not labouring alone. God is with us, and He wants to empower us to. Be of good courage.. God sees and God hears as you chose and prioritise the greater work.
Clara Brett