A kick in the praying pants

I haven’t been praying much recently. So this is for me as much as for you. Here are some verses that keep nudging at my mind:

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col 4:2 NIV)

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Rom 12:12 NIV)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess 5:16-18)

Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1 NIV)

And then, an example:

He is always wrestling in prayer for you. (Col 4:12 NIV)

Now, I know we pray, not because we have to, but because we get to. Prayer is a privilege. It’s a gift. It’s our response to grace. It’s the fruit of a relationship.

We pray because, in Jesus, we can approach God with confidence (Heb 10:19-25). We pray because the God of the universe is our Father (Matt 6:9). We pray, because where else have we to go? (John 6:68) We pray because God is our help and strength (Psalm 46:1).

Yet sometimes what I really need is a kick in the pants. A reminder to get praying, even when I don’t feel like it.

Because prayer is not just a gift: it’s also hard work, the hard work that responds to grace (Phil 2:12-13). It requires self-discipline and commitment. It struggles and wrestles and perseveres.

Prayer not just a privilege: it’s also a responsibility. It’s love in action. We do it for others, not just for ourselves.

So that’s why I’ve listed these verses. For me; and for you, in case you, too, need God’s word to give you a kick in the praying pants.