Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”  Mark 11:22-25 (The Message)

Do you count prayer as a privilege?

This is a question I needed to ask myself lately.

Is my communication with the God of the Universe special to me?  Talk about a deep, provoking question.

In all honesty, I had to hang my head in shame.

I say that I believe that prayer is an awesome privilege but my actions speak different.  I don’t spend substantial amounts of time in prayer.

Short bursts, a few quiet moments but not substantial time.

God wants me [yes, even us as Imperfect Wives] to learn from His example —  from the glorious Jesus — as we enter into the discipline of prayer.

Jesus was sustained in prayer.  He did not give up before the answer was given.  The New Testament is full of examples of Jesus in sustained prayer.

–  He prayed in the early morning, withdrawing to communicate with the Father (Luke 5:16 and Mark 1:35)

– Jesus prayed before moving on in His ministry  (Luke 9:28, Luke 11:1)

– Jesus prayed as He healed and did the Father’s work. (Mark 14:32, John 17, John 18:1)

So, what is a girl (a daughter of the King) to do?

Maybe a change in the way I think about prayer.  Privilege is the word in the title I attached to prayer.

Dictionary.com defines privilege as: “the principle or condition of enjoying special rights or immunities.”

Prayer is given by God to us for enjoyment.  Huh?  Interesting to think about, isn’t it?

Privilege encompasses enjoying special rights or immunities.

Prayer is a weapon that can make us immune from falling prey to the enemy’s attacks.  Prayer is a special right that the Father has given to us and to be enjoyed with His children.

Prayer is work, there is no doubt about it.  But I believe it is a privilege.

A privilege with power.

Are you ready for the hard work?  All things in your marriage need to be brought before the throne of grace of our Lord.

Small things and large things.  We need to seek the Lord for instruction on how to be the wife the He created us to be for our husbands.  We need to listen to His instruction for our lives, even when our husband shows no response or a response that we don’t like.  We are to walk in obedience as we devote ourselves to the privilege of prayer.  Asking the Father for wisdom, who gives to all who ask, generously.

It is time to put our heart where our mouth is and engage diligently in this privilege.

Our life will be transformed by His Power.  Our marriage will be shaped and transformed by His power.

Yes, wield the weapon carefully and consider the cost.

But please, don’t forsake the privilege!

Humbly and diligently seeking Him on behalf of my marriage; won’t you join me in the privilege that you have as Jesus’ beautiful daughter?

♥ Kim

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