"PRAYER THAT BRINGS PEACE
'More things are wrought by prayer than the world dreams of; wherefore, let thy voice rise like a fountain for me night and day...' These words of the poet [Alfred Lord Tennyson] 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 at [our] church, 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 that 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 in knowing something is happening.
Let me suggest a couple of Scriptures that underscore the need for my response to more prayer. Watching the way the Lord prays always presses me: Mark 1:35; 6:46; Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 22:41. Jesus taught on prayer, and His words usually prompt action: Matthew 6:6; Luke 11:1-13; Mark 11:22-26.
Why is it that we can pray 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 5:7; Psalm 55:22)? Here are a few practical recommendations:
1. Don't get into bed [or out of bed!] before getting beside your bed. Leave all of your concerns and unresolved matters with Him.
2. Go to prayer meetings and let that be a time of strength for you and others.
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 wearying toil of carrying things yourself that you'll seize those things in His name and establish His peace.
Learning to pray,
Ron Mehl"