A Season of Prayer
by Karin Paparelli

Many of you are well aware of the call to pray as never before. There are intercessory prayer groups rising up to meet the challenge all over the island. I believe we are in a season when we need to yield to the instruction of the apostle Paul to pray without ceasing, in fellowship and alone.

Prayer has the ability to move us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. It is that intimacy with our Lord that will prepare us for the coming work of the church.

Relationships develop as we spend time together. The same is true when we spend time with the Lord in prayer. Prayer is simply our time in conversation with God. As we praise Him for his goodness and grace, thank him for his provision in our lives, acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord and confess our sin to Him, we draw closer. His word says to 'Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8

Through our prayer life, we begin to gain the perspective of gratitude and humility, acknowledging God as the source of our existence. For we know that "Every good and perfect gift is from above..." James 1:17 As our spiritual eyes open, our trust in the Lord increases and we recognize His handiwork in our lives. It is then that we learn to live contentedly in every situation. Knowing that God is in full control and has our best interest in mind. It is also then that we learn to "consider it pure joy, whenever we face trials of many kinds..." James 1:2 We more easily accept God's discipline, as we understand it is indeed for our benefit, born out of His incredible love for us.

There have been many times that I have felt the arms of God surround me as I surrendered in prayer. Often when I have cried out to the Lord in brokeness I have been comforted with a love that has no measure. It is in moments as these that I am fully aware of my indebtedness to Jesus. For without the sacrifice of His precious blood, I could never enter into the presence of God the Father.

The church is being challenged to pray more often and more intimately. It is not something for just a few, but for all who desire a closer walk with the Lord. It is in these times of prayer that we will become equipped for the mission ahead of us. We have got to learn how to incorporate this into our lives, so it becomes as natural as sleeping and eating.

There are some of you at this moment who are probably thinking 'How could I possibly find time to pray that way?'. These days it seems time could be compared to a well greased swine; hard to keep up with, difficult to catch and impossible to hold. But the Lord said, "with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. Harnessing our time and submitting it to God is possible. I believe prayer has moved into a position of utmost importance in our Christian walk. It may be time to reorder our priorities. Remember to " seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness..." Matthew 6:33 God will honor the time spent with Him and you'll be surprised at how much time you really do have.

I am one of those people who need at least eight hours of sleep at night, more if I can get it. But I've had nights when the Holy Spirit has kept me up tossing and turning. When I finally give in and get out of bed, I realize God is calling me to spend much needed time with Him. These prayer times have been among the best. It is usually at these times when I feel closest to Him. Amazingly, the next day I am no worse for the wear. Somehow I never miss those hours of sleep that were spent in prayer. Instead, I am refreshed and well rested! Please don't misunderstand me, I am not up every night burning the midnight oil in prayer. As the mother of three small children most of my prayer time is accomplished through spontaneous prayers lifted up almost continuously as I go about the business of my day. The opportunity for long, quiet time spent in prayer is seldom found in the pace of my life.(That's why He gets me out of bed in the middle of the night!)

The Lord is more concerned with our hearts than with hours spent in obligatory prayer. He wants us to spend time with Him as an outpouring of our love for Him, not simply going through the motions. God desires a relationship with us. He loves us, "For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son..." John 3:16. He created us with a longing that only He can satisfy. Most of us have tried to fill that emptiness with things of this world; alcohol, drugs, food, sexual relations, material wealth, power and it goes on and on. We eventually discover (usually after we've tried many of these) that it is God alone who can fill this void.

I realize that there are many fighting the good fight and running the race set before us, but let us not grow weary. Take time to refuel, refresh and draw close to the one who can restore us. Jesus invites us to come, and find rest for our souls. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

One final thought from the apostle Paul , "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16

May you walk in His grace. Thy kingdom come.

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