Psalm : 116

Epistle : 1 Thess. 5:12-22

Gospel : Mark 7:24-30

Verse for meditation: “Pray continually” (1Thess. 5:17).

The examples for prayer can be found in many places in the Old and the New Testaments. Man who has been created in the image of God relates himself through prayer with the creator. Prayer is very important in Christian life. The New Testament defines prayer as a supplication towards God through Jesus Christ. During the Old Testament times prayer was understood as a powerful dialogue with God. In the Old Testament we could see people like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, David and Daniel praying to God. Prayer can be considered as a means of revelation of dependence on God. The People of Israel had an optimistic hope in ‘a God who hears prayer’ (Ps.65:2). In the Christian worship also prayer has an important place. In the first century as the Church was established, believers have depended on prayer (Acts 2:42, 4:31; 12:5). The New Testament gives a clear guidance regarding prayer. The prayers and teachings of Jesus give the basis for our prayer. The persistent nature of prayer is clear from the parables of the ‘friend at midnight’ (Lk. 11:5-8) and the ‘unjust judge’ (Lk. 18:1-8). Paul also advised his believers to devote themselves in prayer (Col. 4:2), and to “pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17). Samuel considered ‘not praying to God’ as sin (1 Sam. 12:23).

1. The prayer that changed the decision of God (2 Kings 20:1-11)

Constraint prayer brings wonders. The prayer of king Hezekiah of Judah has been recorded at three places (2 Kings 20:1-11, 2 Chro. 31:24, Is. 38:1-6). God heard the prayer of Hezekiah and answered. He added 15 years to the life span of Hezekiah. The Psalmist says, ‘God who hears the prayer (Ps. 65:2) and ‘I love the Lord for he heard my voice’ (Ps. 116:1). The specialty of the prayer of Hezekiah is to be noted. He ‘wept bitterly’. This shows his persistence on prayer.

2. The prayer that changed the decision of Jesus (Mk. 7:24-30)

A Greek woman from the Syrio – Phoenician region prayed for her daughter. Her persistent prayer is very conspicuous. The Lord answered her, ‘For such a reply, you may go…’ Her faith is very clear here. James says that a faithful prayer will heal the sick (James 5:15). A faithful prayer is a powerful prayer (Mk. 22:24). No one can please God without faith. We believe that God hears our prayers when we pray (1 Jn. 5:14, 15). Jesus taught, ‘Ask, you will be given’ (Matt.7:7, Lk. 11:9, Phil. 4:6, 7).

3. The advise for consistent prayer (1 Thess. 5:12-22)

Jesus, during his life on this earth was a model of continuing prayer (Heb. 5:7). He gave more importance to prayer than food, sleep or rest (Mk. 1:35; Lk. 6:12). The early church also gave much importance for prayer. ‘Pray continually’ was the instruction given by both Jesus and the apostles (Lk. 18:1, 1Thess. 5:17). This talks of an unceasing prayer. This shows of a permanent bond with Jesus. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (Jn.15:7). God has shared his Holy Spirit within us for this continued relationship. It means an individual who continues in this relationship can always be with God in a spiritual, prayerful relationship. The church prayed earnestly for Peter who was in the prison (Acts 12:5). Paul always prayed for the believers (Rom. 1:9; Col. 1:9). Thus an important place is given to the consistent nature of prayer in the Old Testament, in the New Testament and in the life and teachings of Jesus and the Apostles.

Collect:

Creator God, your knowledge and wisdom surpasses every human imagination and understanding. Though you have set your ways before us, we have followed our own ways resulting in damaged relationship in creation, among fellow human beings and in acknowledging your guidance for us. Enable us to faithfully commit ourselves in prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.