In the King James Version, the command is to reckon yourselves to be dead to sin but alive to God. I still remember my pastor, Lew Miller driving this point home from the pulpit as he explained how to "reckon." He said how we did it would define the success or failure of our Christian walk. At the time I listened and wrote the note in the margin of my Bible, but it was only over time that the principle began to sink in.

Since that Sunday twenty-five years ago, I can say with confidence my life has been like a spiritual roller coaster, up one day, down the next. But through it all, I can also say faith has been the defining issue in my life. That is, what I choose to believe won't make any difference unless I choose to act on it.

How does this issue relate to prayer? It has everything to do with it. Lew said to reckon is to act on something because God says it's true. Unfortunately, most of us act on something on the basis of a natural emotional impulse instead of decided faith. I believe that when I act on what God's word says, my emotions will have to take a back seat. Will you believe what God said or act on what your emotions tell you to do?

Today, you have the privilege to pray, but will you? Most won't unless there is a good reason or someone else expects it, does it in front on you or bows the head before your meal. Prayer is not bad when done at those times, but you have to ask yourself, where does faith fit in if it's activated by an event or someone other than the leading of the Holy Spirit?

Most of us think faith gets involved at the end of prayer. In other words, "Will I have faith to believe God can do what I've asked." Paul believed faith is the first thing done when we pray. That is, on what basis will I pray? Is it consistent with Scripture? Who is in control and will I stay on course regardless of the result?

Have faith? If so, then you probably pray. Do you pray? If not, reckon yourself to be a pray-er; show faith by acting on what you believe to be true.

1. Pray Through the Word - 365 devotionals on the subject of prayer by James R. Green (Ps 85; Rom 6; Jas 2:14-26)
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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