The Special Gift of Prayer

FaithWalkDaily October 6, 2008

Our church has a wonderful little group of folks who stay after the worship service to pray for those in need. Yesterday as I waited for someone to be available to pray with me, a sister sat on the pew next to me. The only person available to pray was tied up with the needs of another for quite awhile. After a time, my friend asked if I would like her to pray for me, with a disclaimer, "I'm not a prayer warrior but would be happy to pray for you."

This caused me to ponder, what exactly is a prayer warrior? Who can pray for another? Who should pray? Do I need a special gift to pray?

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray Continually. Incessantly. Nonstop. There's nobody's name attached to that admonishment. No particular group assigned to pray. It doesn't even say "those with the gift should pray." The first message of Paul to the Thessalonians isn't even addressed and his second message is addressed to "the church of the Thessalonians." So are only the Thessalonians to pray without ceasing?

Romans 12:12 tells us to "be faithful in prayer." Here Paul is addressing the Romans, telling them that faith is demonstrated by prayer.

We can go all the way back to Genesis and see God's people calling out to Him in prayer. So as I did a quick search and study of the subject, I came to the conclusion that prayer is not a special gift God bestows on a chosen few to intercede for others. God's gift is the work done on the cross so that all may come freely to Him with our praise, thanksgiving, confession and petition. Prayer is a special gift for all.

What can we expect from prayer?

Sometimes our prayers are answered instantly. More often than not, as life unravels, I see the hand of God as He weaves a new pattern for me through circumstances, people and events as a result of long term prayer.

He gave us a model for prayer and for acceptance as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before He was arrested and crucified. Ask for anything, but trust the will of God for the outcome, even unto death. There is never a need to question the sovereign will of God. Had Jesus questioned the Father, we would all be lost forever. So he ended His prayer, "not my will but thine be done," so that we could be saved.

Jesus is the special gift of prayer. He has given us that gift. Use it wisely.

Lord, thank You for providing the way for us to come to You freely with our requests. Holy God of the universe, we love and adore You. Holy Spirit, prompt us continuously to pray in the spirit, our desire spawning from Your imprint on our hearts, our hope in You alone. In Jesus name we pray, amen.