Stop...and Pray
by Pastor Mark Wagner
 

My Father’s Day message has been convicting me.  If you were with us last Sunday you will remember that the first point of the message was this: pray and give thanks for each of your family members.  It is what God-fearing fathers (and family members) do for each other.  I really WANT to pray more, but here is where the conviction comes in, wanting to pray more doesn’t mean that I actually pray more! 

Have you ever noticed that the Apostle Paul in his letters consistently prayed for the believers?  Here is just one example: “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”  (Colossians 1:9) There it is! Every time he thought of them, every time he heard about them, Paul stopped to pray.  It was a habit of his life.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

So how can we develop this habit?  We want to – but we can become so busy with everyday living that we miss the opportunity.  We all want to pray for our families.  Here are some suggestions. 

 

In our lives we encounter several of these stop signs daily. Why not use them as a reminder – a trigger – to stop and give thanks for your family?  You don’t have to pull your car over.  Just thank the Lord for your family and ask that He will give them spiritual wisdom and understanding.  Or if you are home with small children, pray for them every time they ask you “why”.  You can customize this idea for your schedule, but find something that will trigger your prayers.  It will change their lives – and yours. 

Remember Elijah, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”  Heb. 5:16b.