The great work of prayer

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“[Satan] is much more afraid of our prayer than of our work.” So Elizabeth Elliot summarizes the whole thrust of the spiritual battle in which we are engaged. It is far easier to engage in work because there can usually be immediate tangible results as opposed to the often soul-searching labor that is prayer. We have gone along with this substitution for far too long and are the soul-draining and spirit-crushing effects of this. We live in a world of apparent great spiritual accomplishment. Yet I wonder just how much will truly matter in the scope of eternity based solely off of the effect of prayer? While the Spirit is interceding for us we must remain vigilant in prayer and supplication. It is only in constant application of the arduous work of prayer that we avail against the devastating inroads of the prince and power of the air. It is only in the indefatigable labor of supplication that we rise to meet the forces of the destroyer. And how he awaits to wreak havoc upon any and all unsuspecting, unprepared, or indolent child of God! He is truly the destroyer. He does not care one bit for the labor in which we so steadfastly engage. He does not care one whit for the perceived magnitude of one’s spiritual stature. He merely awaits for the slightest vestige of self-confidence and self-satisfaction to pounce upon his new-found victim. Prayer, prevailing prayer, depletes self and entirely ignores the winsome charm and nature of our abilities. It looks beyond our presupposed abilities and draws upon the strength and joy that is to only be found in Christ. It is in prayer alone that we join together with Christ to overcome our hubris and insistence on having our way. It is in prayer alone that we find the capacity to forego our desire to genuinely accept and live out the will of the Father.

May we ever be conscious of our weakness and frailty of our labor alone and live only in the great grace and power provided to us in prayer.

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