Reflections: From wimpy to warrior

Following up on some thoughts recently expressed in this space, I’m thinking a lot more about prayer—and actually praying more as well. This week, I’d like to share thoughts about not just prayer, but fervent, effective prayer. 

Those adjectives, or similar ones, are in many Scriptures. A familiar one might be James 5:16-17, “. . . The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (NKJV). James gives as an example the prophet Elijah, who prayed “earnestly” that it wouldn’t rain, to show the king Who was in control. And it didn’t rain. 

Acts 12 records Herod’s killing of the apostle James, followed by imprisoning Peter. Although distressed by the news about James, the believers were still “in constant prayer” for Peter (v. 5); and an angel intervened miraculously, allowing Peter to accomplish much for the gospel before his own death as a martyr. 

The epistles continue the emphasis: Paul describes his co-worker Epaphras as “laboring fervently” in prayer for the churches (Colossians 4:12); and Paul urged the church in Rome to “strive together in prayers” for his ministry (Romans 15:30). 

Even Jesus himself offered up “prayers and supplications” to God with “vehement cries and tears” during his time on earth (Hebrews 5:7), for strength to endure the Cross and for the believers who would continue the work after his ascension. 

The verbs in these examples imply great intensity, zeal and passion. The etymology from Latin is related to the words for boiling or frothing. Even John’s vision in Revelation describes the prayers of saints as burning incense. In short, the Bible doesn’t just ask Christians to check the daily “I prayed” box; it commands us to fervently cry out to God. 

For many of us, recent election results give cause for concern: When a newly elected senator refers to “the capital of Arab America,” that’s something to pray about. When elected officials brush off the events of 9/11/2001 as deserved punishment for America’s support for Israel; when our own state votes down an opportunity to restrict abortion and protect children; and many other examples, it’s time to pray. It’s not about red vs. blue; it’s about foundational values that have kept this country strong for 250 years. 

I recently heard a wonderful presentation by Rev. Ruthie Oberg with the Assemblies of God Heritage Center, describing times throughout American history when fervent prayer led to positive results. Divisiveness in the United States of America is not new. Oberg described the impact of prayer during the Great Awakening, at key points of decision in our nation’s early years. The Civil War was a sad time of divisiveness threatening the Union, as even Christians disagreed about slavery and states’ rights. Traditional church wasn’t cutting it; the fervor was lost; the nation was in turmoil. More than one President was assassinated during the years following the war and reconstruction. Some faithful Christians, however, took God at his Word and began to seek Him fervently. Their prayers laid the groundwork for the Holiness and Pentecostal movements that brought many to Christ in the late 1800s and early 1900s. 

During times of dissatisfaction with whatever party is in power—not seeing promised results yet, derailment by war—where are we putting our faith?  Such disillusionment is actually typical for mid-term elections, but why are we trusting politicians to fix it? 

News flash—they won’t. Granted, some do work hard and pray about their decisions, but friends, this country needs a return to fervent, effective prayer. The kind that opens our hearts up to God’s will and calls us to change. The kind that gets supernatural results. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 

That verse looks great on a coffee mug, but folks, it’s time to make it personal. Challenge yourself: Am I really humbling myself? Am I fervent in prayer?

Challenge your church: How long has it been since we had a good old-fashioned prayer meeting? Not worrying about the worship set or the schedule, just serious prayer. 

This week’s Veterans Homecoming activities have been a good reminder that our freedom isn’t free; that maintaining a great nation takes sacrifice and hard work.

We’re not all military veterans, but we are all called to service in God’s army; so it’s time for all of us to move our prayer life from wimp to