Prayer, the Key to the Kingdom

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:12

God has provided a powerful resource for the His people, PRAYER. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (St. Luke 18:1). Prayer is that special time when requests can be submitted to God and every care can be laid upon Him (Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7). The saints have been given the unique privilege and opportunity to unburden themselves, exercising the faith to believe God will intercede on their behalf. As a result, perpetual and consistent prayer keeps the mind focused on God, what He is able to do, and not on situations and circumstances.

Apostle James, having this same idea in mind, encouraged the saints that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). James understood during difficult times an urgent and a sincere pleading to God was needed to endure. Further, he gives the example of Elijah praying “earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months” (James 5:17). Elijah, being no different than we are today, believed with all his heart that if he consulted God through prevailing prayer God would grant his request. The prophet’s fervent prayer stopped the forces of nature!

Apostle Paul unveils a deeper level of prayer only initiated by the Holy Ghost. “For we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). The Holy Ghost reveals the issues of the heart and begins to pray in the Spirit. Paul continues, “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:27). As the prayer is being prayed in “tongues” the Holy Ghost not only searches the need but is there to act as an agent (helper) on behalf of the saints. What a privilege the saints have to touch the throne room of God!

Admittedly, time must be set aside to experience what these great Apostles have laid before the church. A season of prayer must be planned just as anything else that is programmed for the day. Our Lord and Savior spent all night in prayer, seeking the face of His Father (St. Luke 6:12). An old praise of the church says “don’t stop praying the Lord is nigh, don’t stop praying He will hear your cry; the Lord has promised His word is true; don’t stop praying, He will answer you”. Prayer is indeed the key to the kingdom, worth the personal investment of time!