Originally published Monday, 26 January 2015.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Have you noticed that there is so much going on in the world around us? When we look at the news on TV, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or hear about things that are happening in our local communities, there is so much to be praying for. We also need to be praying for the things that we see happening in our homes, churches, and jobs. It’s so important that we watch and pray in these last days.
Jesus knew the importance of prayer. He prayed to the Father often, but a very memorable moment of prayer was when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” (Matthew 26:39 NLT) That was very heartfelt prayer. Actually, before He left His disciples to pray, He told them, “Sit here while I go on ahead to pray…My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me.” (Matthew 26:36 & 38 NLT) BUT…they fell asleep.
The word “watch” means to keep awake and stay alert, in order to look after, protect, guard (according to Webster’s New World Dictionary). Notice, after Jesus got back from praying, His disciples were asleep. That’s when He said to Peter, “…Couldn’t you stay awake and watch with me for one hour? Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:40-41 NLT)
*Jesus is calling us to keep alert, and watch and pray right now, especially in this critical hour. The world is in chaos, homes are out of order, and the church is unfortunately losing its power. If we don’t stay watchful and prayerful, then temptation of every kind will begin to overpower us. Hence, we’ll find ourselves and those whom we love being captured into the enemy’s hands.
That’s why we have to make time to pray for ourselves, but also when we see things happening around us. For instance, if your marriage or someone else’s marriage is spinning out of control, pray. If your child or children or someone else’s kid(s) are acting up or needs a healing, pray. If you feel your boss or leader is treating you unfairly, pray. If a brother or sister in Christ is in some sort of sin or going through a tough time, pray. If you see something horrible on the news or hear that something bad has happened, pray. The point here is to WATCH & PRAY.
The Bible tells us James 5:16, “Confess your sins one to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” (NLT) What this is saying is if you are going through something, talk to someone about it, especially God. Confess where you are. And on the flipside, pray for other people. There is so much power in prayer.
Listen sis. Don’t take prayer for granted. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” (KJV) That means don’t stop praying. Prayer is a lifestyle. And don’t just pray when it’s convenient or when you need something or at a certain time every day. Instead, pray throughout the day. Talk to God about everything. Remember, it’s a relationship. And it’s a very powerful spiritual tool that we have!
So don’t give up, because of what you see happening in your personal life or the world around you. Instead, be that praying wife, fiancé, mother, sister, daughter, sister in Christ, employee, watchman, and prayer warrior. Stay prayerful and watch God move!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
**Don’t forget to join me on my new “LIVE” call entitled, “Let’s Talk” Tuesday, February 3, 2015 @ 8:30pm. I’ll be talking to women around the globe about “Waiting on God for a mate, purpose, and through trials.” Don’t miss it! Click here www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org for the call info and promo video!
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, if this post and ministry has blessed your life, please consider making a donation of any amount today to help further the gospel here @ http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/.
*And don’t forget to tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts, “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye), and follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye. Also, share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
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