"Passion in Prayer
Prayer is so essential to our life that, for me, it would be likened in importance to the air we breathe because, when we don't pray, it's like holding your breath. It's uncomfortable, it hurts, and you never get anything done because you're so preoccupied with how blue your face must be and how much your lungs hurt.
True prayer is based on faith, filled with passion, answered by God, and rewarded with joy.
Faith is essential to prayer because spiritual victories don't come from looking at the trial you face, but looking to the God you serve. Victories don't come from looking within and working to change things, but from looking up to God, from which comes our help and strength. Even the Lord's prayer has its focus in God our Father. Faith produces victory and strength because, when you're tempted to quit, you can thank God for His strength. And when you face the enemy's challenge, you can stand on the sure promises of God.
Prayer is filled with passion. I've heard the Lord say, 'Yes;' I've heard the Lord say 'No;' and I've heard the Lord say, 'Not yet.' Passion in prayer suggests having a praying-without-ceasing heart and invoking all kinds of prayer. Some fall on their face, some get on their knees, others agonize, raise their hands, bow their heads, and fold their hands. Some pray publicly, others privately, some bring requests, others offer petitions and thanks. Sometimes prayer is deliberate; other times it's spontaneous. But all times it is to be saturated by a deep hunger to talk to our Father and have Him talk to us.
Prayer is answered by God. I Peter 4:7 says, 'Be sober and watch unto prayer.' Praying people make it their business to watch and see whats happening in the world, the church, their children, family, and loved ones. Jesus knew what was happening in Peter's life, and He prayed for him. (Luke 22: 31,32). What a pattern for us to follow. Sometimes when I pray, I bring my prayer list and just say, 'Lord, here's the list. You know what's on it, so You do what You think is best.' Paul says, 'I prayed tears for you,' which is a constant reminder of the privilege we have of tenderly interceding on behalf of others.
Finally, true prayer is rewarded with joy. One of the rewards of prayer is that you never worry. Being consumed by the needs of others brings joy and gladness to the heart. Daniel prayed for others and God delievered him. Paul prayed for others, and God delievered him.
Prayer is a privilege. It isn't drudgery; it's a divine assignment. There is noo greater joy than experiencing the reward of God's delivering, almighty hand.
Ron Mehl"