Committed to Prayer

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”—Ephesians 6:18 NLT

Born in South Africa, Andrew Murray was raised in a Christian home where his father regularly led his family in prayer and Bible reading. As an adult, Murray pastored several churches. But his greatest impact might have come as a writer. Many of his books focused on teaching believers how to pray, explaining why the prayers of so many Christians were weak and ineffective.

He observed that many believers are content just going through the motions and repeating familiar phrases. But the Bible taught a different kind of prayer with power. It results in real change: “We must begin to believe that God, in the mystery of prayer, has entrusted us with a force that can move the heavenly world, and can bring its power down to earth.”

Murray discovered that effective prayers emerge from an intimate relationship with God: “Prayer is the quiet, persistent living of our life of desire and faith in the presence of our God.”

Prayer should focus on that relationship. Murray’s thoughts? “Each time before you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory.” We should marvel at the privileges He has given us and “expect great things.” This relationship grows as we put aside our personal interests and surrender to Him. Murray came to love these times with the Lord.

Renew your commitment to prayer. Seek to grow closer to your Father. Out of that relationship, pray expecting results, with faith and confidence.

Reflection Question: Write a worship prayer asking the Father to reveal His glory to you.