Don’t Wait to Pray Until All Else Fails; Pray First

We often overlook the power of prayer. Too many of us pray when we don’t know what else to do. But by waiting, we ignore the weapon that can have the biggest impact on the outcome of the battle. 

We often overlook the power of prayer. Too many of us pray when we don't know what else to do. By waiting we ignore the weapon that can have the biggest impact on the outcome of the battle. Share on X

I laid awake, willing my mind to turn off. Blinking away the tears that threatened, I finally turned to prayer, giving the Lord my burdens. Soon, I drifted off to sleep.

A Crazy World

Much concerns me these days. The world seems to be turning upside down.

What the majority of people once believed right is now considered wrong. What the majority of people once believed wrong is now considered right.

Few will really listen to others. Fewer still want to show love to those they disagree with. 

Biblical love and truth are confused and ignored at what seems to be unprecedented levels. And these are self-proclaimed Christians I’m talking about. 

And I’m agonizing over it. Agonizing because I feel helpless to influence such a movement. Agonizing for my children as young(er) adults. 

I want to solve the problem, set things straight, bring people together. But why do I try to carry such a burden? The problems in this world are far beyond my ability to solve, but never for one minute should we believe they are beyond the Lord’s. 

That’s why God urges us to pray.

The problems in this world are far beyond my ability to solve, but never for one minute should we believe they are beyond the Lord's. That's why God urges us to pray. #prayer Share on X

Jesus Prayed Often

As Christ followers, literally as “little Christs,” we should look to Jesus to provide strength and understanding, to give us our role in the world’s/culture’s troubles. The first thing we’d see is that Jesus turned to His Father in prayer…often and in earnest. Here are a few examples:

“During those days he [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12).

“After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone” (Matthew 14:23).

“During his earthly life, he offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence” (Hebrews 5:7).

In all His suffering, Jesus received the strength and insight to complete His mission because of the power of prayer. He sought God because He was the Son of God but also because prayer is powerful. As the sons and daughters of the Most High God, we have similar access to the Father. 

Prayer should not be looked on as a task. It’s not a “you should.” And there’s no set formula. More than simply communicating with God, we are communing with Him…conversing, yes, but more so connecting. It’s an intimate act. And He meets us there, just as He did for His Son. 

By showing up and being present with God in prayer, we deepen our relationship with Him. We’re telling Him we know He’s there, we know He’s able, and we believe He’ll act. We’re admitting our inadequacy, our need for Him.

Pray First

Prayer holds an untapped force that most of us, me included, fail to grasp. It does affect change and ultimately changes the one who prays.

As we pour out our hopes and concerns, prayer settles our soul, reminding us of what’s most important and who controls it all. It helps us develop the mindset of Christ.

As such, prayer should be our first choice of action, not a last resort. I’m getting better about it, but it’s still a stretch to call prayer my default. I’m slowly learning that turning first to the Lord in prayer settles my soul, regardless of the surrounding chaos.

The Powerful Weapon of Prayer

It’s easy to look at the happenings in our country and the world and be overwhelmed with concern and anxiety. I still have such moments.

But remembering we face a spiritual battle equips us with a powerful weapon in our arsenal: prayer. Through prayer, we’ll be given the strength and understanding to face the day’s trials and affect needed change in our culture.

Remembering we face a spiritual battle equips us with a powerful weapon in our arsenal: prayer. #prayermatters Share on X

So let’s not wait to pray until all else fails. Let’s pray first. It sure beats losing sleep to worry, don’t you think? 

Don't wait to pray until all else fails. Pray first! #prayer Share on X

^“Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises” (James 5:13, CSB).

Reflections: Do you default to prayer as your first-choice weapon when in a battle? If not, why not? If so, how does that best prepare you for the battle?