When All Else Fails....

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Have you ever heard the expression, "All there is left to do now is pray"?  How about the quote "When All Else Fails, Pray"?  What do you think about those two expressions?  Do they make sense to you or do they seem to make no sense at all?

It's clear from reading scriptures throughout the Bible that prayer shouldn't be a last resort, as both of the statements above imply, but instead, prayer should be the first resource.  Prayer shouldn't be combined with the attitude of giving up hope, but rather the attitude and mindset of putting our hope in what God can do - instead of what man can or cannot do.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

Children of God can come before the throne of God in prayer in Jesus' name.  We can pour out our heart in sorrow and grief.  We can thank Him for all of His wonderful blessings.  We can ask Him for strength and courage to face any kind of trial or temptation.  He hears the prayers of the righteous.  When we don't know what to say - the Spirit intercedes.

The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Proverbs 15:29

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Romans 8:26

He wants us to talk to Him constantly thorough out the day.  He wants us to talk to Him at the beginning, middle, end, and all other times of the day.....not just went things get tough, but also in times of gladness and rejoicing!

Be joyful always; pray continually;  give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's kind of sad if we only use the resource of prayer as a last resort.  It's as if we don't believe that God can do what He says He can do.  It's not putting total faith and trust in Him.

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145:18

So, pray all the time.  

Pray fervently. 

Pray expecting God to answer.  

Pray with hope.  

Pray in faith.  

Pray.