"PRAYER THAT BRINGS PEACE
'More things are wrought than the world dreams of; therefore let thy voice rise like a fountain day and night.' These words of the poet are significant because they are supported by the words of the prophet. God says, 'Call unto me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not,' (Jeremiah 33:3).
Here... we know God is calling us to a place of prayer that is ever-increasing. The poet's observation is encouraging; but the word of God is always establishing. The point is, prayer produces results. The disciples of our Lord are prayer-learners: we learn to pray by praying. It seems that in everything to do with discipleship (learning), there is a constant growth pattern available to us. In God's kingdom, and I'm sure you've noticed, nothing seems to happen fast, but the joy we experience is just in knowing something is happening.
Let me suggest a couple scriptures that underscore the need for my response to more prayer. Watching the way our Lord prays always impresses me: Mark 1:35; 6:46; Luke 5:15; 6:12; 9:18; 22:41. Jesus taught on prayer and His words usually prompt action: Matt. 6:6; Luke 11:1-13; Mark 11:22-26.
Why is it that we can pray and yet turn around and say, 'What can I do?' Why does our flesh find it so necessary to 'sweat it', rather than 'cast it' (I Peter 5:8; Ps 55:22)? Here are a few practical suggestions to function with during the holiday season, which is a time traditionally that can bring much anxiety and frustration, rather than peace on earth and joy to the world.
1. Don't get into bed without getting beside your bed. Leave all of your concerns and unresolved matters with Him.
2. Go to a prayer meeting and let that be a time of strength for you and others.
With the spray of activity that can threaten the peace of a person's holiday season, I suggest to you that when stress or busy-ness calls, it's only by your speaking the Name of Jesus and ceasing from the worrying toil of carrying things youself that you'll seize those things in His name and establish His peace.
Learning to pray,
Pastor Ron Mehl"