The Hindrance is SO Worth It
I’ve recently been reading quite a bit on prayer from E.M. Bounds on The Purpose in Prayer. So, here’s our prayer quote/thought to begin the week:
“To graduate in the school of prayer is to master the whole course of a religious life. The first and last stages of holy living are crowned with praying. It is a life trade. The hindrances of prayer are the hindrances in a holy life. The conditions of praying are the conditions of righteousness, holiness and salvation. Prayer is a trade to be learned. We must be apprentices and serve our time at it. Painstaking care, much thought, practice and labour are required to be a skillful tradesman in praying. Practice in this, as well as in all other trades, makes perfect. Toiling hands and hearts only make proficients in this heavenly trade.”
Bounds says that a praying life is one “Where God is to be found and where He brings His aid into our lives.” But the discipline of prayer isn’t cheap. The hindrance of making time to pray leads to a hope-filled, holy life. It is a labor, a straining, a skill to be learned and applied.
Prayer Action:
So, this week be encouraged when praying is hard. When you can’t concentrate. When 84 other things vie for your attention. Persevere through these things and be about the discipline of praying! Prayer is a high calling that will be rewarded as we steadfastly pursue it
Blessings,
Clay
Clayton J. Elliott, Kontaktmission USA
Director of Pastoral Ministries and Prayer
clay@GoKMUSA.org