Pray Again

March 21–1 Samuel 21-23

“Then David inquired of the Lord once more”(23:3).

I must be patient in prayer. And humble. “True strength will bow to wisdom. Arrogance has no knees” (Craig Lounsbrough).

I must always be prepared for prayer to take longer and require more from me than I like or expect. Prayer is not a way for me to involve the Eternal One in my schemes or schedule. “Call unto Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and might things, which you do not know“(Jeremiah 33:3). Prayer is God’s invitation to join Him in a larger world, a world that I can neither see, nor control.

David made his decisions in prayer. During his years as a fugitive, he sought the Lord’s guidance and concluded that on a particular day he and his men should continue to fight the Philistines. Impressive in itself! Discomfort or stress did not exempt David from spiritual service. He desired to contribute! A truly noble man!

It was, however, an unpopular decision. Much push-back came from his men. Seeking confirmation from the Lord, David prayed again! Rising the second time, David was resolute, unaffected by those who counseled fear and caution. “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as lion” (Proverbs 28:1).

In Gethsemane we see the great principle of patient prayer on display in the life of our Lord. Staying on his knees, ignoring the fears and counsel of those around Him, surrendering Himself in obedience, Jesus grasped God’s good plan as He prayed and prayed again. “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith nothing wavering, for the one who wavers is as a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. Let not that man expect that he will receive anything of the Lord” (James 1:5-7, KJV).

Sometimes I hear people speaking of prayer as if it is a quick conversation spoken in a moment of stress and need. Perhaps. Just as often the Bible describes something else. Prayer is a dedicated, costly, progressive conversation in persistent pursuit of the Father’s will.

Do not rush your prayers, dear one. Open your heart to this powerful privilege! Take time with it. It will cost you hours but it will give you days of Spirit-powered life.

“Prayer does not equip us for greater works—prayer is the greater work” (Oswald Chambers).

“Now He (Jesus) was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart” (Luke 18:1).