Devotional

“Interfere at any price in any fashion when people start to pray, for real prayer is lethal to our cause.” —Screwtape, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis 

Prayer is crucial in the life of a believer. 

 It’s not power in and of itself, which should give us relief.  

• Our words are just words.  
• The length and the “dignity” of our prayer holds no sway with the Lord.  
• And the formality? Not important. 

 Instead, prayer connects us to the Ultimate Power Source. The One who knows what we need before a word is uttered (and yet He still wants to hear from us!). The One who loves us more than anyone else ever could.  

 So why is prayer often a last resort? 

 Could it be that the enemy’s desire is to keep us from “plugging in” to this Power Source at all costs? That our jumbled minds and wringing hands are part of his wretched plan to steal our joy and lead us down a path of despair?  

 That he loves the instantaneous distraction of streaming entertainment because it pulls us away from seeking the Father? 

 Yes, yes, and yes.   

 Here are two excellent reminders of what God’s Word says about prayer: 

 “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still …” (Psalm 107:28-29). 

 “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14).
 

My prayer this week: Lord, give me power over the enemy and draw me to you! Help me make prayer my first response … not my last resort. I recognize that YOU are my source of power, and prayer connects me to you. And I thank you, Lord, for your heart of goodness to me, and that your answers are always best.