Prayer

Pray before the LORD…Zechariah 8:22

Zechariah speaks of a time when cities will say, Let us continue to go and pray before the LORD and seek the LORD of hosts, 8:21. And they shall do this very thing, Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD, verse 22.

Throughout the Scriptures we are encouraged to pray to the LORD, to our Father in heaven. The prophets were instructed to pray on behalf of those who were in crisis. The Psalms are filled with prayers for oneself: “Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort according to Your word to Your servant”, Psalm 119:76. And for others: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem…Psalm 122:6. And for those who offend you: and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Matthew 5:44. And of course for yourself: watch and pray, let you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak, Mark 14:38.

Perhaps we should not consider it strange that the word ‘pray’ does not appear in the book of Revelation. The last appearance of ‘pray’ is recorded in 3 John 1:2: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. Before that, in James 5:16: and pray for one another that you may be healed. 

Perhaps this is why Paul wrote to the church: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Apparently, it is God’s will for us to visit with Him—regularly. For prayer could be the remedy for much of our problems, be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God…Philippians 4:6.