‘then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.’ (v35) 2 Chronicles 6:34–35

Prayer presents a challenge and a mystery to all. It’s easy to feel discouraged with prayer. In prayer, we engage in warfare in God’s name, and war disrupts all of life. God’s promises are always fiercely contested and we’re invited to enrol in the battle and to make God’s cause our cause.

Effective prayer demands regular practice. It is the road along which God’s grace flows, always up against Satan’s armed resistance.

Every time we pray, we go to war. In war-torn Bosnia in the early nineties, I visited Christian communities, an unforgettable and frightening experience. One church community, who, at great risk, were shielding Christian Serbs and Croats, gathered to pray.

Indeed, prayer was their primary occupation as bullets and shells were exchanged across a frontline, not one mile away. A reminder that war is about confronting and defeating the reality of evil itself.

Today, prayer is the cause God has asked me to take up with my life. Together we will engage in unceasing prayer to see God move afresh in these lands.

Related Scripture to Consider: Psa. 130; 1 Kings 18:16–45; Matt. 26:36–46; Mark 13:1–13.

An Action to Take: You will have causes in your life. Is it time to promote prayer and make God’s cause your cause?

A Prayer to Make: ‘Lord, You are my God. Increase my hunger and thirst for Your will to be done on earth and to turn to You in prayer more often. Amen.’


Photo by leungchopan on Depositphotos

Micha Jazz is Director of Resources at Waverley Abbey, UK.