Wages of Prayerlessness
Posted by: warrenm <warrenm@...>
National Day of Prayer
Wages of Prayerlessness
The Continental Congress declared the first day of prayer in 1775. It reads, "I therefore beg leave to move—That henceforth prayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service." Ben Franklin (1)
In 1952 both Houses of Congress called upon the President to set aside a day each year as National Day of Prayer. The Judiciary Committee's Report read, "Prayer has indeed been a vital force in the growth and development of this Nation. It would certainly be appropriate if … the People of this country were to unite in a day of prayer each year… reaffirming in a dramatic manner the deep religious conviction which has prevailed throughout the history of the United States." (2)
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill marking the first Thursday of May a National Day of Prayer. "On our National Day of Prayer, then, we join together as people of many faiths to petition God to show us His mercy and His love, to heal our weariness and uphold our hope, that we might live ever mindful of His justice and thankful for His blessings." Ronald Reagan (3)
Romans 6:23 tells us that sin has its wages. We would be well advised to know that prayerlessness has its wages as well!
Consider Luke 22:39-53
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. KJV
Luke 22:39-53
And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. And when He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done." Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. And when He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."
While He was still speaking, behold, a multitude came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" And when those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" And a certain one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, "Stop! No more of this." And He touched his ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs as against a robber? "While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours." NAS
- Prayerlessness testifies to an act of disobedience. [46]
- Prayerlessness weakens the believer in the moment of temptation. [41,46]
Not 'if' but 'when.'
- Prayerlessness opens the door for the flesh to control you. [50]
Illustration presented here with Peter's action of using the sword.
- Prayerlessness paves the way for a painful and shameful experience.
Peter was rebuked.
Peter denies Christ.
- Prayerlessness will let down those we are holding up.
"Watch & Pray"
Heaven is counting on you.
Brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ are counting on you.
- God Bless America: Prayers & Reflections For Our Country, (Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan 1999) 16
Ibid. 16
- Ibid. 17