Before joining Gracious Women ministry I used to pray but I couldn’t say it was a regular act or one I would prioritise. I soon learnt that a Christian walk without prayer is incomplete, ignorant and arrogant. In itself, it is a belief that one does not need God and value a relationship with Him.
Jesus would arise early and spend time with God daily, while He was here on earth. He would withdraw from the crowd for moments to be with His Father alone.
Who then are we to place prayer as an option or not at all at times?
Gracious Women is built on prayer and one of the cornerstones that continues to carry the ministry. When I joined a few years ago, I found women who valued prayer, they would pray for hours, hold meetings to pray, have weekly prayer meetings, fasting and teaching on how to pray and desiring that each woman would be a prayer warrior bringing the kingdom of God in their area of influence.
One aspect we are called to be humble in is in prayer. As we continue to study accountability this month; this week our teaching focused on humility, an area we are held accountable.
2 Chronicles 7:14;
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
We have learnt this week that like most things in our lives, we need to choose to walk in humility. This means to be in complete dependence and reliance on God , to submit our will to His and to walk in obedience to His Word. True humility is recognition that a life apart from God is not possible nor permissible.
Some factors that hinder humility are:
- Resentment
- Apathy
- Fear
- Comparison
Prayer is a mandate that we have been given by God to bring His will here on earth. It is a humble man that recognises that prayer is essential to see that will come to pass.
We are called to pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17);
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. (James 5:13);
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44) ;
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26;41)
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
In all things and through all things we are to pray. What do you do when you wake up in the morning? When faced with a dilemma at work? When something great happens? Do you wake up and check your phone first? Do you discuss a matter first with your peers or with God? Are you praying for your leaders, managers, presidents? Are you devoting time to listen to what God has to say to you?
We pray that we would all take some time to ponder this week:
1. Are you operating in false humility?
– do you hold your values, education, credentials, status to be of more importance?
2. How is your prayer life?
– do you pray ?
– does your church pray ?
– do you spend time with people who pray and do you pray together?
– do you attend and priotiorise prayer meetings?
Luke 18: 9-14;
9 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer[b]: I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income. 13 But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
