Devotional - July 12, 2004

What do you think Scripture means when it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray continually?" Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome telling them he prayed for them "at all times," but do you think he meant that literally? Now I don't want to split hairs here, but what do you think he meant?

If you're a prayer warrior and pray for others, you likely have certain people at the top of your intercession list. Most of the time, you're likely reminded to lift them up to the Lord again and again. That's what I think Paul meant.

Praying for someone should be more than a passing fancy of praying just when they request it. In fact, I believe God places some people on our heart who will never know we're even praying for them. I'm fairly certain that's the reason I grew to manhood and wasn't killed in some of my youthful near-death experiences. In the same way, there are some people who today are praying for me and that's the reason I can minister so effectively in situations beyond my natural ability.

I like definitions. The definition of "tardy" is one I especially like, but it might just anger some people. Being tardy is really showing a lack of respect for someone else and their time. That implies that being on time is showing respect for someone else. And yes, there are certainly times when being late can't be helped, but those should be exceptions, not the rule.

I think privately praying for someone else is demonstrating agape - God's kind of sacrificial love. It's the ultimate showing of respect; when you love someone, you just want to be with them. That's exactly what Paul said when he told the Romans, "I pray makes a way for me to see you soon."

Do you love God? Of course you do. But, if prayer is defined as spending time with God, do you demonstrate love for Him by meeting regularly to do it? And are you on time? Maybe you set aside a certain time to pray or perhaps you use every available minute during the day to pray? If you don't, I hope you're convicted to change your prayer life.

You'll make enough time to do what you want to do. Having no time to prayer should never be used as an excuse; you have all the time in the world. It's how you use that time that matters. You'll either show respect for someone by praying for them or demonstrate your lack of it. I pray it's the former.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 1 Ch. 12:19-14:17 Rm. 1:1-17 Ps. 9:13-20 Pr. 19:4-5 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society