The Road To Pentecost #12

As we look to maximize the potential from our Big 5 on the Road to Pentecost, we turn our attention to prayer.  Prayer has so much potential when we unleash it in our lives.  Through connection to Jesus Christ, we are capable of overcoming every obstacle, discovering every hidden potential and receiving every rich blessing God has for us.  So what happens when prayer is actively implemented in our lives?

It delivers us the answers we are seeking (Luke 18:1-8)
In his parable about the unkind and ungodly judge the widow who sought to be avenged, Christ shows a striking comparison for those of us who follow him.  If an ungodly just will deliver the answer to a persistent woman's pleas, how much more will God, who is good, give to those who seek Him consistently and fervently?

The answer to our need is discovered from the fervency and persistence of our pursuit.

Helps us to treat those around us well (Romans 12:10-13)
In this scripture, Paul talks about several inclusive activities and actions that will build and strengthen the church.  Among those things is consistent prayer.  When we pray together consistently, we become closer in our bond as a Body and become more effective in the Kingdom and our godly pursuits.

The bonds of the Body are sewn in the consistency, candor and compassion with which we pray for one another.

Operates as a weapon for us in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18)
In this section of scriptures, Paul outlines the tools we have available to us in battle.  Prayer is not likened to a sword or breastplate, but rather stands alone on its own merits.  It's the thing that gels righteousness, salvation, truth, peace, faith and the Word together.  It is our battle cry against the enemy as we march onto the battlefield for souls.  Prayer is a weapon that defeats the enemy when we utilize it regularly.

Helps us and others to find open doors to speak Truth (Colossians 4:2-4)
In this scripture, Paul implores that the Body would pray for him and his group that they would be able to bring the gospel where they went.  For Paul, prayer was paramount for him to be effective in the mission field.  We must hold that same sentiment.  We must pray for every minister and witness of the gospel, including ourselves.  Doing this will go before us and open doors to places that would normally be shut and provide protection from that which might overwhelm us.

It will help us to stay vigilant in the last days before he returns (Luke 21:36, 1 Peter 4:7)
Both Peter and Jesus mention the importance of continual and consistent prayer in the last days.  As the world careens towards oblivion, immorality and loveless nature will persist.  Temptation will only advance and the enemies of God's people will steadily grow.  The only true way to make it through such turbulent times and to hope to be pulled out onto the other side is through continual connection to Jesus Christ.  

These are just a few examples of what prayer can do.  Through these examples, though, we see that our Road To Pentecost is not one of trepidation or despair; but it is one we can boldly walk down knowing that God will hear our call if we stay connected with him.  Will we remove distractions and hindrances to prayer so we can have the ear of The Almighty?  If we do, we will see doors opened, prayers answered and enemies overcome.