◄ What Does 1 Timothy 2:8 Mean? ►

We are called to pray without ceasing, but we are also called to pray in every place. No matter where we are, what situation we are in, who we are with, or what time it is, the Lord desires that we are in an attitude of prayer. It is so beneficial to shut ourselves away in our prayer closet for intimate communion and deep fellowship with the Lord, but it is equally profitable to be in constant touch with the Lord in every place in which we find ourselves, no matter what the circumstance of life we happen to be or in what company we are keeping.

Our hearts should be so in touch with our Father and so in love with the Lord that it is our delight to filter every thought that comes into our mind through the Lord Jesus, to offer up every situation in which we find ourselves, and to bring whoever we are with or whoever crosses the path of our thoughts, to the Lord in prayer.

It is good to fly to him in prayer to confess any foolish sin or when we find our emotions and feeling are causing fear to rise in our hearts and doubts to fill our minds. When doubt and discouragements rise in our hearts or when we are surrounded by trials, troubles, and temptation, we should shoot out a quiver of prayer arrows to the Lord for His help and guidance.

Jesus Himself is currently seated on the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us. The Holy Spirit Himself is currently making intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. The Son and the Spirit pray without ceasing. Should we not follow this example in our own lives?

Paul exhorts us not to be in a state of anger or argument when we pray. Certainly, our pleadings and petitions, prayers and thankful praise should not be from a heart that is harbouring resentment or unforgiveness, anger or bitterness but from a heart that is holy and clean before the Lord, a heart that is gentle and gracious, a heart that is submissive before the Lord - for God looks on the state of our heart.

Praise God that we can approach the throne on grace boldly, and give over to Him all of our anger, anguish, resentment, and malice, making the way clear for us to life up holy hands and pour out our praises, petitions, and thankful worship to the One "Who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy."

Heavenly Father, search my heart, that my being may be pleasing in your sight. As I pray and lift up holy hands to You, I pray that, more and more, I become the person You desire me to be. In Jesus' name, AMEN.