Prayer in Desperate Times

In desperate times, people pray. Certainly these are desperate times in Japan, in New Zealand, in Ivory Coast, in Congo, in Sudan, in Libya, in Bahrain… In fact, these are desperate times for our world.  With modern technology we are so interconnected that what happens in some far away place is not only known to us—it has impact on us. We pray for safety and protection, for peace and resolution, for solutions and even miracles.  We pray because life is bigger than us, beyond our control. I pray for these reasons.  And for others.  Here are a few of the things that drive me to my knees: 1. God  Himself desires fellowship with me!!!!!!!!! How can I turn that down!?! 2. I am so grateful for what God has done for me, so I respond to His love and desire to be with me. 3. I am desperate--in my own sinfulness, inadequacy, unworthiness. He is the only way to forgiveness and hope and purpose. 4. When I listen to Him--through His Word, in stillness and quietness--He lavishes love and grace and affirmation on me.  And gives me wisdom and guidance and courage. 5. The work of God is done on our knees. Then we go find out what happened. 6. The task of living the Christ-life is way beyond me--I must go to Him. 7. I have so many people I want Him to touch--I must keep bringing them to Him. 8. The world is so dark and lost.  He is the light and the way. 9. Satan is a roaring lion, seeking to devour, deceive, and destroy. He loves to go after God’s servants, and especially their children. I feel compelled to stand against him, and the best way to do that is kneeling. 10. I recognize my own total dependence on God for everything in my life and ministry. Prayer is the way I express that dependence and access His provision. The needs and possibilities are so great that I find I pray about everything.  I must, as Paul instructs, pray without ceasing! C 2011 Judy Douglass