Pray, Pray

Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17

When things go wrong, we often turn to people around us –colleagues, friends, family – for encouragement, consolation or empathy. They can often provide a listening ear, but may not be able to understand what we are going through. How much more comfort might we receive if we first turn to our Lord and Savior? For when Jesus was on earth, He experienced everything that we might experience, so that He can now sympathize with us.

Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

Jesus, as always, also gives us the example. He regularly turned to His Father in prayer. Before He began His earthly ministry, He went into the wilderness for forty days to fast and pray. And when His crucifixion was drawing near, He again spent time alone in prayer to His Father. The Gospels tell the story over and over of the importance and the frequency of prayer in Jesus’ life.

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. Mark 1:35

After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray.
Mark 6:46

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. Luke 5:16

It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12

Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. Luke 9:28

We, too, must go straight to God with our troubles and pray. We must leave it in His able hands, be calm and still, and be confident that He hears and will answer. We must wait patiently for His will to be revealed to us, and continue to pray until our faith grows strong.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Pray, Pray
Words by Lizzie DeArmond

Pray, pray, when things go wrong,
And gloomy fears around you throng;
The loving God your voice will hear,
Look up to Him, He’s always near.

Refrain
Pray, pray though your eyes grow dim,
Go with your troubles straight to Him;
Pray, pray, for God understands;
Have faith, leaving all in His dear hands.

Pray, pray, be calm and still,
Whatever comes must be His will;
His promises like buds unfold,
Naught that is good will He withhold.

Pray, pray till faith grows strong,
And in your heart rings Heaven’s song;
Till self shall die in pure desire,
And every thought to Him aspire.