Let just the deep undertone of all our prayer be the teachableness that comes from a sense of ignorance and from faith in Him as a perfect teacher, and then we may be sure we shall be taught, we shall learn to pray in power. A. Murray Learning a new skill can be challenging and sometimes frustrating. It takes patience and perseverance to push through the awkward phase and the clumsy stage in order to finally arrive as master of a craft. Sad to say, but I sometimes feel that I am not willing to go through this learning process in order to gain the skill of effectual prayer. Many times I have purposed to be faithful in prayer; to lift up my family and friends daily; to meet my Abba Father in my secret prayer closet for blessed times of fellowship and refreshing. But soon life crowds in and my commitment wanes. My time is spent elsewhere and I am left with the hollow feeling that I am missing something great.
If this is true of you, don’t despair and don’t be ashamed. The Master Teacher is patient and full of grace. In faith, surrender to His skillful hands. Tell Him you are willing to be willing. He alone can teach us how to enter into a consistent, persevering prayer life that finds joy in His presence. Rest in the peace of knowing it is not accomplished through your own strength and efforts. He has given us His Holy Spirit. He lives within us and knows our needs before we ask. He starts the work in us and He finishes the work. He gives the longing, He gives the means, He gives the perseverance and He receives the glory for answered prayers.
As He begins to mold you and shape you on the potter’s wheel, then you will be able to say with Andrew Murray “Let us take time not only to meditate, but to pray, to wait at the foot of the throne and be trained to the work of intercession. Let us do so in assurance that amid our stammering and fears, He is carrying on His work most beautifully. He will breathe His own life, which is all prayer, into us.”
Photography by Trisha Fry
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