Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer
Prayer Needed to Take Unpopular Stands—It takes moral courage, firmness, decision, perseverance, and very much prayer to step out on the unpopular side. We are thankful that we can come to Christ as the poor suffering ones came to Christ in the temple.—(Evangelism, 240). {Pr 29.5}
Prayer Needed to Do God’s Work—Much prayer and the most vigorous exercise of the mind are necessary if we would be prepared to do the work which God would entrust to us. Many never attain to the position which they might occupy, because they wait for God to do for them that which He has given them power to do for themselves. All who are fitted for usefulness in this life must be trained by the severest mental and moral discipline, and then God will assist them by combining divine power with human effort.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:611.) {Pr 30.1}
It can get discouraging and disheartening when so many unbelievers outnumber us. Christians are the minority and the most persecuted class of all time. When we speak God’s Word, the truth, how quick come the insults and accusations of being Jesuits, cults, fanatics, unintelligent, and so on. Satan whispers doubts into their ears that lead them to deny our Savior and falsely accusing the children of God. To continue in God’s work, much prayer is needed. Christians are to put on the whole armor of God as they go out as Christ Jesus’ faithful witnesses. Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.
Our Father in heaven,
We thank You for giving us Your Holy Bible, the everlasting gospel to preach and teach to all nations. We thank You for leading the way in which we should go. Not all will pay heed to Your doctrines, and will perish in their sins. We pray that they will confess and repent of their sins, that they may know the truth, that they may be saved. It is Your truth that saves. “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3: 16-17.
We thank You for giving us the Power to be useful servants. We thank You for giving us the privilege of prayer, which is needed to do Your work. We pray for Your continued strength and courage to take a stand against popular beliefs and worldly customs and traditions. Help us to persevere in fighting the good fight. Help us to uphold the moral standards given to humanity that none should perish but have eternal life. We are eternally grateful for Your sacrifice on our behalf, as You shed Your blood on the cross for our salvation. We pray that none will turn their ears from sound doctrine, lest they be deceived and influenced by the false teachers of the world. We pray for Your wisdom, understanding and discernment that will keep us from falling to the left or to the right. We are thankful we can come to You in our time of discouragement when we are at odds with the world around us. Help us as we put on the whole armor of God to battle the adversary while winning souls for Your heavenly kingdom. We are Your faithful Christian soldiers! We thank You for watching over us, protecting us, and keeping us safe. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
