The most dangerous malfunctions often start with the phrase, “Failure to…”. For example, the danger of rocket “failure to launch” cannot be overstated. The danger of ammunition “failure to fire” can be fatal. The danger of explosives “failure to ignite” can be catastrophic. Indeed any phrase that starts with “failure to…” often connotates a disastrous circumstance that has no remedy. This is even more true with “failure to pray” for Christians.
I am absolutely convinced that every problem in a church leadership meeting and every problem in a government meeting and every problem in a business meeting and every problem in a family and every problem between any people could be resolved if the discussions were conducted in prayer. Failure to pray in these circumstances, ignores God’s will and squanders the most powerful tool in the universe.
Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19-20 WEB)
When people pray together with rugged honesty, transparent sincerity, and faithful humility to the almighty sovereign God of the universe, amazing, incredible, almost miraculous things happen. But, failure to pray, usually doesn’t end well.
- The shocking 1-step solution to problems among brethren
- How to start praying with the ACTS model of prayer
- 3 requirements for effectual fervent prayer: ask, seek, knock
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV)
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:113-18 WEB)
Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members? You lust, and don’t have. You kill, covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask. You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures. (James 4:1-3 WEB)
This is the model recommended by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian Christians to deal with a grievous sin of immorality that was destroying their church. He told them to act “when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present.” (1 Corinthians 5:4)
Failure to pray ignores God’s instruction
This is consistent with the Apostle’s preaching, which has been preserved for us in the Bible. As he said, “Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.” (1 Corinthians 4:17)
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. (1 Corinthians 14:15)
with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: (Ephessians 6:18)
I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times; to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:1-8 WEB)
Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a great priest over the house of God, let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful. Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:19-25 WEB)
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.” Whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. For you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.” But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil. To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:13-17 WEB)
But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you that “In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.” These are they who cause divisions, and are sensual, not having the Spirit. But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. On some have compassion, making a distinction, and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh. (Jude 1:17-23 WEB)
Failure to pray ignores God’s help
Even Jesus needed to pray. Do you think you are more independent than him. His father heard him. Our father will hear us. The angels comforted him. The angels will comfort us. Failure to pray is the most dangerous malfunction in Christian life because it ignores God’s help and leaves us exposed to the elements. It’s the Christian equivalent of saying, “Hold my beer and watch this.”
He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him. When he was at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.” He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief, and said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39-46 WEB)
And, finally, the Apostle Paul encouraged us to pray with the spirit and with understanding. Therefore, failure to pray is usually preceded by failure to read and apply the Bible.