What distracts us from praying as we should for our missionaries? Praying, most of us have heard, is, after all, a spiritual discipline that needs to be cultivated. So, why is it so difficult for us to do just that? What are some excuses that we’ve made for not praying? The line of reasoning follows that if we are distracted in prayer Satan rejoices, “He [Satan] fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray (Samuel Chadwick).” So, I ask all of us again, what is it that distracts us from praying for our missionaries?
Is it the time commitment? We spend more time in the Starbucks drive-through than in prayer. Is it fear of not having the “right” words to say? God only desires our heart and for us to be with Him. Is it that you don’t think your prayers have ever or will ever work? The Lord actually promises that He will answer when we pray…every time. Are you thinking that God already knows what He’s going to do anyway so we don’t need to pray? That one is just a complete NO! We are commanded to lift up holy hands to the Lord. And why wouldn’t we want to spend time with the Creator of all things who wants to spend time with us?
Is it unconfessed sin or unforgiveness in your/my heart? If we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). And harboring unforgiveness in our heart can and will take a toll on our prayer life. Forgive others as the Lord has forgiven you (Col. 3:13). We have an Enemy who is crafty and cunning who prowls around like a roaring lion waiting for someone he can devour (1 Pt. 5:8). We need to take a stand against anything and everything that sets itself up to distract our efforts to pray for our missionaries. They are sincerely depending on us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given us the ability to pray and commune with You. Help me to pray more diligently and less distracted. Any of the excuses I have made in the past are just that, excuses. Help me be a person of much prayer. I ask that You would help me persevere in this area. Lord give me a steadfast heart to pray for (Your Missionary). In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!
