Oswald Chambers wrote, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work.”1 I wonder, do we really believe that statement? I’m sure every Christian, especially those in ministry, would agree with this statement. But then the question comes, Do we live like it? Do we minister like it? Do we really believe prayer is the greater work?
One of my favorite verses in Scripture is Mark’s account of Jesus’ prayer life. In Mark 1:35 we read, “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Jesus understood the importance of spending time with His Father. It was His personal time with God that empowered Him to carry out the Father’s business. In fact, just before He was betrayed and arrested, Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying to His Father (see Matthew 26:36-44). I’ve often thought, if Jesus, the Son of God, needed time alone in prayer, how much more do the children of God need time alone in prayer. By the way, while in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus cautioned his disciples to “watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). If you read the rest of the story you will discover that Peter slept rather than pray, and within hours he denied knowing Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75). It is clear that prayer is vital; it is the greater work!
Andrew Murray gave this caution, “Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you. Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart so you will be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”2 When we pray we are displaying our dependence upon God, but when we do not pray we are displaying our dependence on ourselves. As God’s children, let’s be busy about the greater work!
1 Chambers, Oswald (1986). My Utmost for His Highest: Selections for the Year. Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering.
2 http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Andrew-Murray-Quotes/page-3.shtml
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