Who should take advantage of prayer? 

 We ought to say, “Everybody should take advantage of the opportunity to pray to the heavenly Father.”  However, many do not, and there are those who may be guilty of offering worthless words to our God.  Let’s look specifically at those who need to take advantage of prayer.

The lost

You might think that these are the very people that would be the last to pray. Truth be known, every saved person was looking for the truth, seeking divine help. As Jesus put it, if you seek you will find (Matt. 7:7). Petitioning to the Father for help in finding answers is why He is there. He will help those who are looking, since He does not want any to perish (II Pet. 3:9). Cornelius was lost, but the fact that he was saved from his sins shows there is no doubt his prayers to God helped him find the way (Acts 10:2, 4, 11:14-16).

The humble

There is no question that people need help in this world. But pride prevents many from seeking assistance (I Jn. 2:16). Those who recognize the greatness of the Lord, will humbly go to God in prayer (Lk. 18:13). This isn’t being done in an arrogant, demanding way. To do it in that way will profit nothing. One can hardly consider self as being righteous by being haughty. And we know it is the prayer of the righteous that accomplishes much (Jas. 5:16).

 The thankful

When one counts their blessings, they know who it is that is responsible for them, and the grateful want to express it (I Thess. 5:18). Whether it is for finding the truth, have a hope of heaven, or even for good health, our God deserves to be thanked often (Col. 3:15). When it comes to prayers, no one ought to be at a loss for things to say, especially when one thinks about all their blessings.

The worshipper

Al saints worship God (Jn. 4:24). You can sing praises to our great God, but you can also praise Him in prayer. Telling the Father how great He is, is something Christians want to do (Acts 4:24-30). When you read through the book of Psalms, you learn the many ways you can acknowledge God’s greatness. As the omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent being, we should never run out of words to glorify the God almighty.

The dependent

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, the Lord wanted them to ask the Father to help them frequently (Matt. 6:9-13). With His children always needing daily bread and deliverance from constant temptations, going to God in prayer is just part of our lives. Those who think they can get by without help will pray less… or not at all. But for those totally dependent upon the Father…they will pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17).

The penitent

When a Christian realizes they’ve sinned, they are full of so much sorrow, they know that it must lead to repentance (II Cor. 7:9). God is faithful and just to forgive those who ask for forgiveness (I Jn. 1:9).  Without the avenue of prayer, we would be in a terrible state. The question is: Do you take advantage of the privilege of prayer? If not, you should!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Chuck