Pastor Sam Crosby
San Saba’s First Baptist Church
November 5, 2019
It has been said, “Prayer moves the hand that moves the world.” Our heavenly Father is sovereign over this world and knows what we need. Even so, He yearns for His children to come before Him in prayer. Through prayer, incredibly, we have influence with God. Resources and power beyond our imagination are available when we pray. Paul reminds his readers of that truth at the end of his prayer in Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”
I was reminded of the power and need to pray after visiting with a couple men at our prayer breakfast this morning. Stories were told that illustrated God’s knowledge and interest of the details of our lives. People brought specific requests to God – requests some others might deem insignificant – but God answered them virtually immediately. God cares about you and knows what you need but may be waiting on you to pray. Have you prayed? Have you sought the answer from God?
A curious story is told in the Bible about King Asa (II Chronicles 16). He is described as a godly king who did what was right and good in the sight of the Lord (II Chronicles 14:2). But toward the end of his life when he suffered with a disease in his feet, he seemed to drift from God. The Bible says, “Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe; yet in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but the physicians” (II Chronicles 16:12).
Please do not misunderstand. Doctors and medical staff are wonderful and help thousands of people daily. I thank God for them and their ability to diagnose problems, perform surgeries and treat illness. But God ultimately is the healer. He is the Creator. He is the sustainer of life (Colossians 1:17). Every breath we take comes from His hand (Daniel 5:23). God says bluntly, “I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26). In your sickness, begin the healing process with prayer. Have you prayed?
Jesus wove the habit of prayer into the routine of His life. He was constantly retreating to the mountains, seashore or garden to pray. On the night before His death He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He evidently prayed there often. The Scripture says, “Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him” (Luke 22:39). They linked His power in life to His habits of prayer. They even asked directly, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).
That is my heart this morning. Lord, teach me to pray. Help me to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). Help me to pray in my weakness (Romans 8:26). Help me to pray through my doubts (Luke 18:1). Help me to pray with expectation (James 5:16). How long has it been since you prayed?