I Call On You
Psalm 86:1-13, 15-16
According to the Population Reference Bureau, the world population has exceeded 7 billion people. Of those, about 33 percent classify themselves as Christian – meaning more than 2 billion people claim a relationship with God.
I was taught that God is big, but if all 2 billion Christians decided to pray simultaneously, could He handle it? Would mine get lost in the shuffle? I was also taught that God was good, but after reading some stories in the Bible it seemed wise to fear Him. Some laws required death by stoning when disobeyed, and some people (Ananias and Sapphira) dropped dead for lying.
My parents taught me to pray as a young child, and I’ve maintained the practice. Yet I occasionally wonder how God keeps up with the numerous requests, and whether disobedience in my life interferes with His answers.
Prayer is an indispensable element of our worship, as the psalmist demonstrates. God speaks through the Bible, other believers and circumstances, but prayer is an essential method He uses to share His will. By practicing it, we grow deeper and stronger in our relationship with Him.
David asked God to hear his prayer and was confident He would answer (v. 1). God hears and answers the prayers of repentant sinners when they request forgiveness of their sins (Joel 2:32). And He is always ready to answer the prayers of His children, but in His timing and according to His individual plan for us. Only unconfessed sin derails God’s answers (Psalm 66:18).
Setting aside quiet moments, maintaining a constant attitude of prayer, finding peaceful reposes, sharing with other believers and journaling God’s answers are helpful ways to enhance our prayer experiences.
Through prayer, God teaches (v. 11). This occurs when the accompanying practice of infusing God’s principles into our conscience takes place. God’s Word is like a two-edged sword piercing to our innermost being, revealing the thoughts and intents of our heart (Hebrews 4:12). As we pray with teachable hearts, God uses His standards to convict, convince and encourage us as they relate to our circumstances and choices.
Prayer also provides opportunity to cry out for God’s help (v. 16). David had confidence in God’s character and His willingness to deliver him from his enemies. Faithfulness to God always brings opposition, but God promises never to leave or forsake us. Prayer provides opportunity to experience the peaceful assurance that He is in control.
Prayer is our lifeline to God and a major element for abundant Christian living. Draw closer to God through practicing it, and pray that unbelievers will see God’s work in your life and desire to know Him.
Wiles– Lessons in the BSL series for the spring quarter are being written by Martin Wiles, pastor of First Baptist Church, Harleyville.