"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
The Bible records many invitations to pray. For example, God invited King Ahaz to ask for a sign (Is. 7:10-11). Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matt. 7:7). Paul commanded the Thessalonians Christians to "pray without ceasing" (1 Th. 5:17).
Yet, there are times when prayer is difficult for us. We are overwhelmed and feel undervalued. We are exhausted and lack strength. We are discouraged and lack hope. We are struggling and in pain.
God's invitation for us to pray also comes with evidence of His genuine intent to respond. For example, Abraham's servant prayed for help in identifying the woman who would become Isaac's wife. Before the servant had finished his prayer, the Lord answered it (Gen. 24:14-15). Paul was excited to write to the Ephesian Christians that God does even more than we think to ask for (Eph. 3:20). James also urges us on to pray in three different sections of his letter (1:5; 4:2-3; 5:13-18). We can be certain of God's desire for us to pray! We can be certain of God's invitation to us to pray...especially now!
God bless your week in mighty ways as you praise Him (yes, even in the midst of this pandemic), seek His will, and pray! Pray binds us together in unity as the Body of Christ!
-Rachel