I had an altogether different agenda for work this afternoon with no plans to blog but the Holy Spirit is stirring something in me with such force that I don’t want to resist it.
The word setting fire to my heart this moment is Colossians 4:2 –
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Nothing is going to sound new or fresh in what I’m about to say because we’ve all heard it over and over again but sometimes it’s a timing thing. In other words, we’ve heard something a million times but all the sudden, with explanations known to God alone, the thing clicks and the breakthrough comes.
Here goes:
WE’VE GOT TO PRAY.
WE’VE GOT TO BECOME PEOPLE OF PRAYER.
WE’VE GOT TO PRESS IN MUCH FURTHER AND BELIEVE GOD TO BE MUCH BIGGER.
WE’VE GOT TO CEASE LETTING PRAYER BE OUR WEAKEST SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE.
WE’VE GOT TO STEP IT UP AND WIELD THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT IN RELENTLESS INTERCESSION.
WE’VE GOT TO GO FURTHER THAN WE’VE GONE BEFORE IN PRAYER. PRESS HARDER. THINK HIGHER. DIG OUR KNEES IN DEEPER.
WE WILL NOT LIVE BOLDER THAN WE PRAY.
THERE ARE PARTS OF OUR CALLINGS, WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND DEFEATS OF THE DARKNESS THAT WILL COME NO OTHER WAY THAN FURIOUS, FERVENT, FAITH-FILLED, UNCEASING PRAYER.
It’s time we quit falling asleep in prayer. It’s time we quit practicing a prayer routine that bores us to tears. It’s time our quiet times ceased to be quiet. There are battles to be won. Works to be done. The kinds which only come through prayer, prayer, and more prayer.
It’s time we quit depending on someone else to do it for us.
It’s time for each of us to see in the mirror one of the most powerful people of prayer we may ever meet.
It’s time we prayed like we believed the risen Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, was right in our very presence. Because He is.
This is what Colossians 4:2 says:
Continue steadfastly in prayer.
Don’t give up several days in. Don’t get all whiny. Don’t get all offended because God doesn’t appear to answer right away. Persevere. Keep praying. Keep believing. There are muscles God means to strengthen. It’s about the means as much as the end. Did God clearly promise in His Word what you are asking for? Then do not shrink back. Or is there a precedent in Scripture for what you’re asking in prayer? Then keep telling Him what it is, asking Him if He’d be glorified in granting your request and, if not, to remove or quiet your desire.
Persist. That’s what Luke 11:5-10 and 18:1-8 are all about.
We are warriors. Victors. More than overcomers. Bloody and bruised, we still get back up. Lip busted, we open back up our mouths – this time the louder – and call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised and so shall we be saved from our enemies. (Psalm 18:3)
Being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
This is key. We’ve got to keep our eyes wide open. We can close our eyes during prayer if we need to but then, for crying out loud, let’s get those things open and let God see the whites of our eyes, ready and watchful. Let’s expect something, for Heaven’s sake. Jesus promised us in John 5:17 that God is always at work. When we get a glimpse of His activity or the slightest hint of answered prayer, let’s thank Him for it right then and there. For instance, have you been praying for someone dear to you to be set free from an area of tremendous bondage? While you wait for the huge breakthrough, can you see any glimpses that God is at work? Then thank Him for it. Applaud Him. Like Elijah who knew it was going to rain the moment he saw a cloud the size of a man’s fist, believe with all your heart that He who began a good work WILL be faithful to complete it.
We can be so preoccupied looking to the horizon for the huge thing that we miss the glorious mosaic of a hundred scattered pieces of answered prayer right at our feet. God is rarely up to only one thing. Our nature is to look for the big finish. His is to call us into constant and daily communion, working through every circumstance, tweaking and turning and tying and telling. He’s teaching our tongues the art of tasting in a world trained to binge.
We’re looking for the string of pearls. He’s planting one pearl here. Another pearl there. The full stretch of our lifetime is the string. We won’t see how those jewels all came together on the one strand until we study them under the light of His glorious presence. In the meantime, let’s ask God to make us alert and give us eyes to see where He’s working on the way to the divine achievement we’re longing for. And let’s respond with hearts full of gratitude and mouths full of praise.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
The Apostle Paul’s next words represent a concept that is crucial to the well-being of our souls. Colossians 4:3 –
At the same time, pray also for us…
At the same time we are praying and watching and waiting, we will be vastly helped and blessed and connected by praying fervently for other people. Intercession for others becomes a guard against the narcissism of this present culture seeping right through the screen door of our prayer closets. A stunning number of Christians don’t believe in praying for themselves at all. Others have global vision the length of their noses and don’t believe in praying for anyone besides themselves. The counsel of the Scriptures is to pray for others and to pray for ourselves.
But, for the love of God, PRAY.
There is no other way.
We’ve got to wake up and pray.
In Jesus’ Name.
Like those who believe He hears.
Satan wants you to quit praying. He wants you to believe God isn’t paying one whit of attention to you. That He’s moved on without you. That you don’t matter. There’s only one thing to do with that. Pray twice as much. With twice the faith. And a thousand times the thanks.
Get up and pray.
We’ve got one shot at this earthly life. Good Lord, let’s make it count.
Beth,
God led me to start a prayer group for our Bible Study. This blog is one of several confirmations that He wants us to meet to pray for our prayer requests, for the group, and for the dreams that He has placed on the members hearts. Not only that, but my first memory verse this year is Col 4:3!
Thank you for your faithfulness!
Love, Kimberly
Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
Word.
Praising God for your faithfulness – despite all your success – and many have fallen from just that – I believe this message is crucial, vital, critical for our times and His church and all the ones we love. May God help me, us, to be faithful to this calling!!
Yes, LORD!
Beth, thank you for this timely reminder about something that our Lord has been speaking to me about with increasing urgency. Thank you for being obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading. You are such a blessing!
God sent this to me. I got to it in such a round about way. I love to pray. I love to sit at His feet. But I also love the praise of men. So I keep looking for something else that God wants me to do. This is my ministry. Thank you for the confirmation.
Dang, I SO needed to read these words today! I just printed that out so I can continue to be convicted by it. I’ve literally had Kari Jobe’s song “Holy Spirit” on repeat for the last week as I know God is calling me into a deeper conversation and relationship with Him. Thank you Beth!
Pat,
Go buy it. Like right now. It’s phenomenal! It has made such a difference in my walk with Him! This is my second year going through it and I absolutely LOVE IT!
The whole writing on prayer is wonderful today. I especially liked the part about praising and thanking God for the small answers and miracles along the way, while continuing to pray for the big thing. Also, the emphasis on persistence in prayer is very timely. Thank you for being faithful in taking the time to write this today!
Dear Beth,
Thank-you for sharing this today. I’ve been trying to bathe myself in the Word daily but haven’t spent an equal time in prayer. I needed this!
By the way, how do I sign up for your blog and will I receive e-mail notifications? I found this through my college roommate’s Facebook post.
Hi Debbie, thank you for your comment, and welcome to the LPM Blog! Under Beth’s picture on the Blog homepage is a link to “Subscribe to this Feed”. You can set up to receive an email whenever there is a new post up.
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I heard it LOUD and clear.
Martin Luther King Jr once said … “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible to be alive without breathing’
We just need to do the thing!!
Wow. This is exactly what I’ve needed to hear today. God hears us and cares about every little thing we do. Pray about everything (Phil. 4:6)! Thank you for the powerful reminder Beth!! Much love to you, your family, and all my dear Siestas! 🙂
Yes! This devotional is awesome! There is a children’s version that goes right along with this one, day by day, on a simplified level. We read it every morning to our kids while they are waiting for the bus. It speaks to them and us! I am constantly saying “Oh, that’s a good one!” 🙂 God bless you and your group!- Becky in Stromsburg, NE
Whew! :)))
Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
(Matthew 12:36-37 ESV)
I’m there. Where I understand what it means that you can’t do anything without praying. Never understood. Cause you can DO a whole lot without praying. But it turned over for me. You can’t do anything that makes a difference without praying. You can’t witness miracles without praying. You can’t have peace if you work without praying. And so you pray. Like you breath. You do it all day. And you suffocate if you don’t.
Amen! It is time we all became passionate once again about prayer. Thank you Beth for the reminder! I have been struggling in this area recently and will persevere and expect God to act.
like so many times in the past few years, God has used your heartfelt passion to pierce my heart with exactly what I needed to hear… as you well know, it is providence, not coincidence…thank you for being such a beautiful vessel
Right On, Sister!!! Thank u as always for sharing ur direction, something’had me check the blog tonight as I am out of town caring for my mother who suffers with dementia. Obviously we needed a word of encouragement at least I certainly do as a new chapter in life unfolds with my only chance is my Gods provision & direction. I have witnessed prayer intercession while being in in South Carolina make a significant difference in lives during a short sabattical there. Thank you thank you for the post!
Thanks Beth for this very insightful and soul searching devotion. This is something I needed to hear and through god’s tugging and powerful strength I plan to put forth the desired effort in my life. Luv you much sista!!!!
I so needed this! I was just asking God to show me how to pray about for my children who are grown and not making wise choices. One of my memory verses is Is. 44:3 because I am discouraged by what I see. This blog is confirmation not to give up. Keep standing and believing in God’s promises. Live by His word not by what you see or hear. Know He hasn’t forgotten you. He is very near. Ephesians 6:10-18!
Praise God, thank you for this good word in season!
Definately sense the Spirit’s confirmation on this one. Now it’s about getting to it. I pray God gives us the strength and focus to cooperate. Very excited of what He wants to do in us!
Vicky Stanley, Madison, AL
Romans 8: 38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. NIV
Zowie! What a word! Colossians 4:2 was one of my memory verses in 2013 but it never came to life for me quite that powerfully. Pray on, Sisters! He is able, more than able.
Amen. And Amen.
Beth~ God is pressing this message of prayer so much on my heart too……. since 2009 especially — but now in recent days He’s revealing some things about how our prayers work in the spiritual realm and I’m now shouting in prayer – praying Scripture over people that God brings to mind who seem like ‘impossible causes’ BUT GOD!!!
Just this morning He gave me that same Scripture again when Elijah prayed and then the cloud came the size of a man’s fist…… that’s FAITH – faith that our prayers are being answered as we speak them (Dan. 10:12)…. yet carried out in God’s perfect timing to be fulfilled when HE says the time is right. We must continue to pray IN FAITH Believing!! Of course it’s not a new message – LOL – God’s been saying it for years and (many of us – especially in America) we’ve been ignoring Him for years. I love Isaiah 62. It’s my life come full circle – and in the middle of it comes the wathcman on the wall! I pray that we are becoming those watchmen and watchwomen of PRAYER – acting in faith ~ persevering in prayer because….
“PRAYER WILL ALWAYS BE THE HARDEST THING WE EVER DO this side of heaven.”
It never gets easier – just more intense and more necessary for those who are listening to the Voice of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Beth, for listening and bringing the message one more time. Girls ~ let’s get on our knees and cry out in prayer for the lost and hurting world around us…… bring them to the throne of GOD in prayer so that they can be made whole and restored to the Father by the blood of our Jesus who made atonement for our sin. Simple message of prayer. PRAY ALWAYS. Simple gospel message to preach. JESUS SAVES!
Choosing JOY~
Stephanie
Philippians 4:13 (NRSV)
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Yes – the Lord has perfect timing! I came to the blog today with feelings of guilt for not having put up my 3rd verse yet (even though I knew what it was and have been reading it daily). Now I see it was perfect timing. My husband and I met with another couple last night. The four of us feel led to work in Africa (my husband is Liberian), are both adoptive parents, have all seen the good/bad/ugly of working and living in Africa and have a wide variety of experiences that make this seemingly perfect combination. However, we all have jobs, school, kids, etc. How do we add leading an organization and all the details that come with it? I felt strongly last night we need to pray specifically for each step. For God to provide what our family needs so we can be released from some of the commitments we have given ourselves to (which have given us some of the pearls of wisdom needed for the next step on the journey) and freed to move into the next steps. Everything in caps hit me straight between the eyes and was a beautiful confirmation. “WE WILL NOT LIVE BOLDER THAN WE PRAY. WE’VE GOT TO PRESS IN MUCH FURTHER AND BELIEVE GOD TO BE MUCH BIGGER. THERE ARE PARTS OF OUR CALLINGS, WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND DEFEATS OF THE DARKNESS THAT WILL COME NO OTHER WAY THAN FURIOUS, FERVENT, FAITH-FILLED, UNCEASING PRAYER. We’ve got one shot at this earthly life. Good Lord, let’s make it count.” YES and AMEN!! Thank you for following the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Beth:
This encourages my heart, thank you!
(This week while on my way to work, I spied a bald eagle perched high in a group of trees, indeed…we must always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. Bless you~)
So good and so very timely!
Thank you!!
Thank you for these words, Beth. I feel like they were written specifically for me. I am going through a confusing health trial, the first serious one in my young 40 year life. I have been upset and frustrated that things aren’t happening-every doctor thinks something different. While I’ve been praying (and interceding for others when I lie awake at night), I am so focused on the bigger picture, I may be missing the small miracles of today.
Loved this! Thank you Beth. I was so encouraged!
Yes and Amen! A much needed word for me..
Night before last, I prayed non-stop for my grown son, whose illness was absolutely taking over his body. A staff infection. I prayed to the King of Glory! I boldly entered into the Holy of Holies, by way of His Mighty Name, and covered in His Holy Blood; and I did NOT leave until I felt assured that my King had stretched forth His Holy Scepter in agreement with my petition … for I “believed” with all my heart that He would!
In the morning, I called my son to see how he was feeling.
He said, “Mom, a miracle has happened! I only wish I had taken “before” and “after” pictures! For I am completely healed. No more staff infection on my body … anywhere … period! And, I can lift my arms without pain, headache is gone, and I feel GREAT!”
Hallelujah and amen!
We serve an awesome God! He is our Father, and wants (longs) to Father us. When He sees one of His own coming to Him in tears, crying out to Him to MOVE this mountain, great or small, and BELIEVING He WILL DO IT … He is moved to tears Himself, and it is FINISHED before we even get up off our knees. OHHHHHHHHHH, how I love Him soooooo, and OHHHHHH, how He loves us!!!!
Thanks for the opportunity to share this miracle. Blessings! jd
Thank God for answered prayers, amen.
Yes, Van, thank God for answered prayers, there sure are many! We need to be as faithful in thanking Him for “answered” prayers, as we are faithful in making prayer “requests!” Blessings, jd <
Elizabeth Johnson.Arlington,Tx. “But God shows His love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 ESV.
Inviting women @ my church to Bible study this a.m. and will be sharing this post with them because you covered many of the points in the study right here in condensed form! Had been praying about what I would say in the announcement…hey, thanks, Beth. (Still pray for you and your ministry daily)
Roswell, New Mexico
Revelation 17:14 NLT
Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because He is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And His called and chosen and faithful ones will be with Him.
The timing was meant for me. I felt this powerful lecture (the good kind of lecture) to my core. I feel a spark of longing for more with Jesus. I long for more in prayer. I’ve spent half the afternoon crying my eyes out because I am so fearful, but I long for freedom in Jesus. I long for freedom from the bondage of fear. I just want more of Him. I have a 3 week old baby, a 17 month old baby, am still recovering myself, and feel more overwhelmed than I know what to do with. Jesus, I am gripping onto you!!!
You certainly have a lot on your plate with those two little ones, Abigail! Over the past several years, Beth challenged us several places to specifically gather together pages of scripture to pray against fear. She was desperate to be rid of it, as are you. Go to the Word, sister! 2 Tim 1:7 reminds us that that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
Looks like the Holy Spirit used this post to target a lot of us. It sure hit home with me. Three years in. It was March. He was “done.” God has given me many beautiful pearls along the way. “Stay and pray” has become my mantra. “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”Psalm 27:13 Still praying…
Romans 5:8 NKJV
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Today’s message was on exactly this and I had to just come share with y’all what my pastor preached today…”There is not devil in your life that does not tremble at your crying out to God.”
Basically, and we cry out just like a child God comes to our rescue and defeats our enemies…such a powerful word. He also talked about how God can make our mountains level ground as it says in Zechariah 4:6-7…y’all we just need to have like a coffee session and just straight up prayer time…I saw chains become loose today and fall…revival is coming y’all, we just have to want it!
I forgot to say that I loved y’all 🙂
I needed this tonight. This very moment. Perfect timing, Gods timing. My cup runneth over. Thank you Beth for your faithfulness. You are so dearly loved.
Simply amazing how God moves! My lesson for our monthly ladies meeting was about”becoming fervent prayer warriors”.Using the example of Elijah’s confirmation of abundance of rain from the tiny cloud is our commitment to never give up or give in!We are living in times where the presence of the Lord must rise through his beloved as proof that God still moves! Miracles, healings, deliverances, and broken chains are possible in Jesus! Hallelujah, praise the Lord;he is so good!
Amen sister…In Jesus Name…Amen! May we all be prayer warriors!
Beth, I thank you for your continued ministering and encourage your sisters in Christ. Each time I read your words, I can feel the Holy Spirit seeping through every word that you type. Thank you for allowing God to use you so mightily. You are a blessings. Glory to God. I lift you up in prayer and thank God for you.
Thank you for the post on prayer, I know it but just need to be reminded.
Amen! How critical it is for us to live intentionally. Constantly aware that the enemy prowls to and fro, seeking who he may devour. Not in fear, but in a Spirit of boldness! Prayer is our main defense! Without it, we are painfully exposed. Ephesians 6:18 “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Paul’s exhortation for us to pray without ceasing resonates to our core. The Word says to pray at ALL times…not sometimes…not when we feel like it…but on every occasion, being watchful for the opportunities before us. As we rise, as we step out of our home, into our car, into the workplace, as we walk out into the this dark world in desperate need of JESUS! (Matthew 5:14-16) Yes and amen sister Beth! Let us be the light that points others to our Savior! May the Spirit’s power continue to shine brightly as you boldly proclaim the WORD! Thank you for the words of exhortation and inspiration!
It is with a heart filled w/ praise and gratitude and the promptings of the Holy Spirit I am reading this today. Thank you for your obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to YOU in writing this very powerful piece today! I am pierced and encouraged to the very depth of my spirit and soul!!
Yesterday my time w/ the Lord was looking up the word “hope” in the concordance and then writing out scripture filled with Hope, and then reading your blog I was filled with the Holy Goose Bumps as I will Rejoice in Hope be patient in affliction and constant in prayer!!!
thank you for your timely word of encouragement! God bless you!
Ms. Beth,
The Lord has stirred my spirit since last September, and the urgency of the hour in which we live.
Victory lies in the prayers of his people, and the Lord so desperately desires to do great and might things in and through us. NOW is the time. Love you and God bless abundantly!!