Why don’t we pray more? Here are five reasons why we don’t pray:
1. We don’t want anything since we live satisfied, complacent lives
2. We don’t care enough about others
3. We think small since the world revolves around our daily routine, television, visiting the mall, etc.
4. We don’t want to get involved since we pay the pastor to run the church, missionaries to evangelize and government to care for the poor
5. We’re afraid God will respond since He may want to use us personally in answering our prayer.
David’s comfortable and peaceful life got interrupted when God started speaking to Him through Nathan (2 Sam. 7).
Listen to Revelation of God’s Word
In a time of peace, David told Nathan, the prophet, that he (David) dwelt in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelt within tent curtains. The Lord said to Nathan that David shouldn’t build God a house since He lived in a tent since Israel left Egypt. God never commanded them to build a house of cedar. David went from pasturing sheep to ruling over His people Israel. God’s continual presence would make David’s name great and protect Israel from the afflictions of the wicked. The Lord would build a house for David by raising up descendants through him to establish his kingdom. God would build a house for His name and establish the throne of His kingdom forever. He would father His son, David, correct him with the rod of men and continue His lovingkindness. David’s house, kingdom and throne would endure forever (2 Sam. 7:1-17). God promises to build His kingdom through your spiritual descendants.
Respond by Praying to God
David humbly acknowledged God’s greatness and uniqueness in promising descendants through his line. He marveled that God would redeem Israel out of Egypt and their gods to make a name for Himself. Since the Lord would become Israel’s God, David asked that His spoken word magnify His name forever. David’s heart to pray was motivated by God’s revelation that “I will build you a house.” As truth, God’s word was a promise to actively bless David and his descendants forever (2 Sam. 7:18-29). Prayer activates God’s promise to build His kingdom through your spiritual descendants.
Consider these three challenges to enrich your prayer life:
1. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt. 4:19). Nothing like dealing with someone’s eternal destiny for you to take prayer seriously.
2. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:36-38). Working in God’s harvest field helps you develop a deep care and concern for others when you see your neighbor struggling without a shepherd.
3. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ (Matt. 25:35-36). Getting involved in the lives of needy, hurting people will supercharge your prayer batteries.
When we serve, we love. When we love, then we pray.
