Hosanna Restoration Church

In order to give something, or to give ourselves to anything, we must make an effort. In this instance, the disciples were saying that they could not be distracted from what they had been called to do. So they chose others, anointed them and got back to their own ministry, which was prayer and the ministry of the Word. Actually, this was also the ministry of those they anointed and of all who have believed the Word since then.

As I read this scripture, the words give ourselves continually to prayer, jumped out at me. How often do we intend to pray, but just can not seem to find the time? Do you ever feel like you need to just get alone with God, but there are so many other things you need to do, and so you try to pray on the run.(which is better than no prayer at all) Let’s face it, the world we live in is running at an out of control pace, and we all are racing to keep up. So how can we give ourselves continually to prayer?

First we must see the need for prayer in our lives. I don’t mean just to acknowledge that prayer is a good thing for those who think they need it. I mean that we need to have our eyes opened so that we can see that our very lives depend on prayer, more than they do on a paycheck, or new clothes, or a new car, or anything else. We need to understand that all those other things that we are so busy pursuing can be better and more easily attained through seeking God in prayer. Now please understand, that I am not saying prayer is to be a shopping time. I am saying that God knows our needs, and will supply the things we need, if we get our priorities in the right place. You know, “Seek first the Kingdom of God!!”

Seeing the need is probably best realized by understanding the benefits of prayer. I could not tell you how many times I have said to people that we would pray, and they have asked if it would do any good. Others have said, “that’s okay, we’re getting along better now.” I do believe that God is very interested in answering each and every prayer that is prayed. He wants to have us see the benefits and then keep praying.

The disciples had watched Jesus give Himself to prayer. They had not only seen, but experienced the miracles themselves. They had good reason to give themselves to prayer. They wanted the same results as Jesus ministry had produced. Do we dare to seek God for that same type of results? I think we are commanded to!!

If so, we need to give ourselves to private times set aside for prayer. Then we need to go out into this world, and in every situation, give ourselves to prayer. When we have free moments, when we have problems, when we have success, when we are walking, talking, driving, shopping, or any other activity. We must be prepared to GIVE OURSELVES TO PRAYER. The Lord will not drag us aside, we must make the effort to come to Him. Be prepared for a battle as you begin to do this, but the victory is guaranteed and you will not be disappointed.