“The He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them (disciples), that man ought always to pray and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1)
As we read the topic of this blog, the first thing that comes to our mind is, can there be anything such called like building stamina in prayer. We have always heard the word ‘stamina’ is often used for physical training to strengthen our core muscles to run longer or any strenuous activity without getting tired and exhausted easily, but in the above verse Lord Jesus tells his disciples that ‘man ought always to pray and not to faint’, it means there are incidents that can happen with you if you do not pray, if not attempted always.
We need to understand that prayer is not an only component for a Christian, but definitely prayer is a support system to all that we are surrounded with. Unfortunately, it has become a religious practice and an obligation to many. A believer needs to understand that he or she should not pray just because it will save us from a disaster, accident or a bad omen. We pray because we love God as He first loved us.
One of the biggest hindrance to a believer in building stamina in prayer is ‘laziness’. Sleep and food has been on the hitlist as top most killers of every prayer life. Prayer remains impotent for many because when the Holy Spirit instructs them in place of prayer they shall not follow it. John 2:5 “His mother (Mary) said to the servants, whatever He (Jesus) says to you, do it.”
The last two words of this verse is very significant and requires obedience in our walk with God. It seems easy to read but tough to do as the ways of God is not the ways of man. In Christianity, we think the definition of sacrifice is only in the area of Prayer, Word and Fasting but it is much more beyond and repeatedly skipped, when it comes to obedience.
Nobody builds stamina exercising only once a week, likewise we cannot build stamina in prayer if there is no discipline and consistency in our lives including obedience. It is like the good wine of the first miracle at the wedding of Cana which was maintained till the end, as people may taste of your good wine (i.e. your character) and glorify God. If you are by any means faltering in the area of prayer as a Christian, nothing is late, you can start from right now. Ask the Lord to give you Grace, let Him know how much you are willing to pray, fast and study His Word. He is like your spiritual gym coach who helps you to achieve and maintain a healthy spiritual life throughout your life time.
Remember the words of Jesus in John 15:5 “Without me you can do nothing.”. Today let us depend on Him and His grace for surviving in this world and working efficiently in His Kingdom.
Prayer : - Precious Holy Spirit, today I completely depend upon your Grace to help me to build stamina in prayer. Forgive me for my flaws and help me to re-establish my prayer life with obedience unto you in Jesus name.
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