Unlimited Prayer - Protestant Caucus/Devotional

Gracetoyou.org ^ | 1993 | John McArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

"Men ought always to pray" (Luke 18:1, KJV).

Prayer should never be limited to certain times, places, or circumstances.

As a child I was taught to pray with my head bowed, eyes closed, and hands folded. Even as a young man I thought that was the only acceptable mode of prayer.

In my seminary days I sang in a quartet that traveled to various churches throughout the United States. The first time I traveled with them we had a prayer meeting in the car, and the driver prayed with his eyes open. All of us were glad he did, but I wondered if God really heard his prayer.

I have since learned that praying with my eyes closed is a helpful way to avoid distractions, but it isn't mandated in Scripture—nor are most of the other limitations people often place on prayer. For example, some people want to limit prayer to a certain posture, but Scripture tells of people praying while standing, sitting, kneeling, looking upward, bowing down, and lifting up their hands.

Some try to limit prayer to certain times of the day, such as morning or evening. But in the Bible people prayed at all times: morning, evening, three times a day, before meals, after meals, at bedtime, at midnight, day and night, in their youth, in their old age, when troubled, and when joyous.

Similarly, Scripture places no limits on the place or circumstances of prayer. It tells of people praying in a cave, in a closet, in a garden, on a mountainside, by a river, by the sea, in the street, in the Temple, in bed, at home, in the stomach of a fish, in battle, on a housetop, in a prison, in the wilderness, and on a cross.

The point is clear: there is no specific correct mode or kind of prayer, and prayer isn't limited by your location or circumstances. You are to pray always. That includes any kind of prayer, on any subject, and at any time of the day or night.

Suggestions for Prayer

Make a list of your current plans, thoughts, and concerns. Have you made each of them a matter of prayer? Commit yourself to sharing every aspect of your life with God.

For Further Study

Read Psalm 136. Note how the Lord is intimately involved in the lives of His people.

From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[pollywog]

Great thoughts here today.
I have learned over the past few years, ( yes I am almost 82)..that prayer is a attitude of the heart as well as conversing with our Father.
Best way to fall asleep at night is talking to God...
MANY are the times I pray while driving.
In the 60’s there was a good book on prayer..
Rosalind Rinker.. “ Prayer, Conversing with God”

[metmom]

The only way to pray without ceasing is to do it while you are doing other mundane things.

Having your mind that focused on God is a good thing.

[Nathan _in_Arkansas]

Some of my most intimate moments with Jesus are while I’m commuting to work. Singing praise music on the radio and just conversing with Him.

I’ve finally took to 40 years of discipline the Lord was giving me and surrendered totally to Him. I’ve always been a Christian, I’ve always repented and tried to follow His commands, but I never truly put full faith in Him.

Worry, doubt, and fear led to struggle. I trusted Him, but I always held out that I would have to do the lifting. I finally gave up worry and doubt and truly trust Him for the first time in my life since childhood.

I’m here to tell you my entire life is different. I’m relaxed. I have true joy. I don’t fear tomorrow. I don’t fret the troubles of the day. My temptations are easily defeated.

I work diligently, and my pathway is guided. God opens the door and I simply have to walk through it.

I’m so grateful to Him.

[metmom]

There were rimes when I would drive from NY to FL, transporting my m-i-l’s car back and forth.

On those trips, I would be by myself and play worship music, sermons, and sometimes just turn it all off and pray. It was a two day trip and by the end of the second day, what a wonderful time with the Lord it had turned into.

I miss those trips, as grueling as that much driving can be.

[xp38]

As long as you kept your eyes open while driving. :)

[cowboyusa]

PTL!

[metmom]

I did.

😇

[boatbums]

I’m here to tell you my entire life is different. I’m relaxed. I have true joy. I don’t fear tomorrow. I don’t fret the troubles of the day. My temptations are easily defeated.

I wholeheartedly believe that is the Lord's intention when He commands us:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

I have this old poem I copied and memorized from I have no idea where, but it seems fitting for this subject. Enjoy:

As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken traits to God because He was my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help in ways that were my own.
At last I snatched them back again and said, "How could you be so slow?"
"My child," He said, "What could I do? You never did let go."

Thank you Nathan for reminding us of the victorious life we are called to experience.

[ViLaLuz]

Amen! This is why Christian radio and streaming prayer online is such a blessing, so we can listen while working. It’s fortifying to focus on our Lord while carrying out the necessary daily duties.