January 12
“Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart” Luke 18:1
Thus far we have discussed three types of prayer: crying out to God (January 7), praying without ceasing (January 11), and daily prayer (January 10). One can think of these as three perhaps distinct ways of approaching God with our requests during different periods of need. For example, crying out to God is necessary when we are really feeling the weight and burden of sin or of some trial. Crying out is for those emergency situations, the acute crises in our lives, when we are really feeling the pressure and are in great need or great pain. We need relief, and we have to have it immediately or we are going to sin or burst or fall apart or quit or something else not good. These are “the car is in the ditch with a flat tire and the bad guys are after us” prayers, things that have to be fixed immediately.
And then there are the chronic problems, the big issues, the nagging difficulties that never seem to change. They are the mountains and long term struggles, either within ourselves or in the lives of loved ones, that we feel somehow progress has to be made. Perhaps a job situation or a ministry need or the salvation of a friend or loved one or a relationship that seems hopelessly broken. Or perhaps a new direction in life is needed or a new outlook and better attitude or, more to the purpose of these exhortations, sins to overcome and get free of once and for all. These in my mind are primarily the topics for daily prayer, like the widow of Luke 18, and the habit of diligently taking these concerns and mountains to God over the long haul, day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year. These are the “I really need a new car but I don’t see how in the world I can get one” prayers, the desires and long term goals we want to see the Lord accomplish and the mountains we need Him to move.
And the third type of praying is the “without ceasing” praying, the prayers for minute by minute issues and problems that we realize we need the Lord’s help with if we want a smoother, easier day. This is the type of prayer that habitually seeks direction and asks God, “What should I do now?” Or “How should I respond?” Or “Please give me wisdom here.” Or “Please give me diligence for this task.” Or “Please help me avoid slipping into temptation.” This kind of praying without ceasing is also part of abiding and fellowshipping with the Lord, because I believe He wants to strengthen our faith and commune with us on a regular basis. He wants us to see that He is very real and ever present and a Helper for all types of situations at all times. He wants us to be continually dependent on Him. Along the lines of the automobile analogy, these are the “regular maintenance and good driving practices” prayers that keep us in tip top shape and out of the potholes of life.
Tomorrow we will continue to explore further these three types of prayer.