"The Need For Prayer
Growing in the way of the Lord doesn't happen by accident. It is realized by having purpose. Walking in the way of the Lord is, at times, difficult, no matter what your age.
The Book of Proverbs is a reservoir of simple principles of wisdom that wait to be drawn by those who thirst for truth and triumph. The successful navigation of life for any person happens as a result of careful instruction, consistent encouragment, and ernest prayer. Let me suggest several of the challenges we face in our ongoing walk and growth in Christ, as well as asking you to concentrate on several specific areas of need for prayer:
1. Prayer to be offered: Pray that the Lord will bring about the strength and confidence to resist the pressure of conformity to any image or system other than that which is of the Lord. Promise to be believed: Proverbs 1:10, 'My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.'
2. Prayer to be offered: Pray for people to rightly regard their emotions and natural passions so that they do not become victims of them.' Promise to be believed: II Timothy 2:22, 'Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue a righteous faith, love, peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.'
3. Prayer to be offered: Pray for people to be firmly grounded in the Lord on a foundation of reverence for His Word and way. Also pray against the deceiving spirits that would entice and mislead. Promise to be believed: Proverbs 1:7, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.'
4. Prayer to be offered: Pray for parents to lead their children effectively during these crucial days. Promise to be believed: Deuteronomy 6:6,7, 'These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts; impress them on your children, talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you rise up.'
Upon careful examination of these verses, the problems of young and old alike seem to be the same. As we pray for our nation and community, few of us can declare exemption from the need for prayer in our lives in some of these same needed areas.
Needing to pray more,
Ron Mehl"