To recognize that the present time in which we live is perilous not only at home but throughout the world, should motivate every person who has placed their faith in Christ as Savior to develop a serious prayer life.  The Apostle Peter prayed for Christians that … “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:2-4 NKJV). 

There may be some who would rationalize that since God has already provided all things for both the believer’s physical and spiritual life, why is there then a need to pray?  Such a thought reveals a serious lack of knowledge of several hundred verses that speak of prayer and praying.

The Christian is mandated to pray for others including self.  It is to be a continuing conversation with the Heavenly Father as one goes about their daily routine.  Sirens heard in the distance give each believer in Christ an opportunity for prayer, though the one praying does not know the need or crisis.  God does!  When coming upon an accident or someone shares a heartache or a critical situation is faced, these are opportunities to …  “Be anxious for nothing [stop worrying about anything], but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7 NKJV).

The Apostle Paul instructed the Christians in Thessalonica to … “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess 5:16-18 NKJV) … “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints — and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Eph 6:16-20 NKJV). 

While prayer is the privilege of every Christian, Scripture notes some requirements for prayer to be effective.  Jesus established the protocol for prayer … “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name’” (Matt 6:9 NKJV), in the power of the Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ.

James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote to Jewish believers in Christ … “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16 NKJV). The righteousness of which he spoke was that of being in fellowship with God.  Sin in the life of the Christian does not break relationship with God for Jesus said … “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.  I and My Father are one” (John 10:28-30 NKJV).  However, sin does break fellowship.  When sin is unconfessed, the Christian fails to fulfill the mandates to … “walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:16a NKJV) or … “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18b NKJV).  Therefore, John noted God’s grace provision by which the believer can regain the filling of the Spirit and have fellowship restored so prayers can once again become effective.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV). 

Harry Martinez, a resident of Albany, is a retired minister who served a nondenominational congregation in Florida. His weekly column appears in several South Georgia newspapers.