“Living below in this old sinful world . . . where could I go but to the Lord?”
These words from an old song remind me of a statement that I have heard many repeat over the years, “Well, I guess all we can do now is pray.” This is usually attached to a heart of desperation that has humanly tried, examined, thought about, questioned, discussed with others and sought a way to respond to their current situation or lifelong need.
Taking the words of the statement in the previous paragraph, may I say . . .
A life of prayer is no “guess work.” Prayer is the sure confidence that our omniscient God is ready to give wisdom when we ask. For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.(James 1:5).
A life of prayer is the “all” of life. Prayer is not the last resort; it’s the all consuming action of life from beginning to end. We do not have a prayer life. We exist in a life of prayer. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:5). Pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17).
A life of prayer takes the “we” out of the equation and is consumed with the “He.” And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).This destroys the thought that “God helps those who help themselves.” We live every second of our lives dependent upon God for everything, and we act as He motivates and lead us. For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
A life of prayer is the blessed “now.” Oh, what a blessed joy and comfort to know that through the Lord Jesus Christ, Who lives to intercede for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25), we have access the the Throne of Grace right “now!” Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). And right “now” live in Psalm 91:1-2, He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”
The need of the moment, the need of the hour, the need of the day is repentant, fervent, dependent, life-sustaining, transparent, revival-hearted, grace-enabled prayer!! Abide today in a life of prayer in the presence of He Who has His eye on us and hears our cry (Psalm 34:15)!! This is the answer!!
Yes, we live in an old sinful world, but there is no where else to go but to the Lord!
(Photo – The Blazing Center)
From A Pastor's Heart 
Thank you, Dale! I needed this reminder this morning. The Scriptures always speak to the soul and they did very strongly this morning!