Why is it so hard to pray?
This morning our men studied the end of Luke 19 where Jesus cleanses the Temple in Jerusalem for the second time in His earthly ministry. Luke gives only a brief account, but the Old Testament reference is significant. This time Jesus rebuked them for making the Temple a den of robbers, instead of a house of prayer. I know He was upset with their greed and taking advantage of the people who had traveled there to make sacrifices. However, I quizzed the men about prayer, as well.
Why is it so hard to pray? Most people find it a challenge to pray daily. We find it a challenge to pray for an extended period of time. We have less attendance at times of prayer than other services of worship. Why is it that way? Most of the men felt it was a heart issue. When our hearts are right and soft, we want to spend time seeking the Lord and His will. However, many people only pray when they want something, and then, they pray for their own will to be done, not God's will. Some only pray when there is a problem they can't handle. Others say they get tired and fall asleep when they try to pray. It is amazing to me that something so easy and natural for a believer becomes so hard. Satan truly has a good strategy to keep us from doing the one thing we need to do without ceasing to grow in our relationship with and our service for the Lord. We must overcome the obstacles and make His house a house of prayer, as He desires. Can you imagine His pleasure if we would make this the emphasis it ought to be for the church.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 39-41.
Why is it so hard to pray? Most people find it a challenge to pray daily. We find it a challenge to pray for an extended period of time. We have less attendance at times of prayer than other services of worship. Why is it that way? Most of the men felt it was a heart issue. When our hearts are right and soft, we want to spend time seeking the Lord and His will. However, many people only pray when they want something, and then, they pray for their own will to be done, not God's will. Some only pray when there is a problem they can't handle. Others say they get tired and fall asleep when they try to pray. It is amazing to me that something so easy and natural for a believer becomes so hard. Satan truly has a good strategy to keep us from doing the one thing we need to do without ceasing to grow in our relationship with and our service for the Lord. We must overcome the obstacles and make His house a house of prayer, as He desires. Can you imagine His pleasure if we would make this the emphasis it ought to be for the church.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 39-41.