Prayer is a very important aspect of our lives. Whatever we face, whatever we go through, whatever we are about to do, Prayer is vital. There are so many aspects of prayer. It is not just for making petitions or pleading. Prayer is also simply spending time in the presence of God however He leads. It’s our privilege to be allowed to come before Him in praise, worship, fellowship and communion. Though, knowing what we face in life, God in His great mercy and love has given us the means to obtain help in areas that are beyond what we ourselves can do. Through prayer, God flows through us in miraculous ways to achieve what is good and beneficial to people, for His kingdom and for His glory.
Life in general affords infinite opportunities for the need to pray. I ran across this poem written by Sandra Goodwin that has been passed down probably countless times as a source of encouragement. I found it just as encouraging and felt the need for it to be shared once again.
Before reading the poem, I invite you to think about the importance of the call to pray. In regards to missions, I feel there are three categories of people “called” to pray:
- Those who have previously gone on a mission trip. They’ve been there and know what was needed and what they went through
- Those who did not go, but who are able to provide a support and spiritual covering
- Those who are currently on the mission field who are on ground and in the midst of all that is going on
Looking at it, all three categories cover pretty much everyone: you’ve gone, you didn’t go or you are there. In either of these cases, prayer can effectively and fervently go forth on behalf of the work of the Lord to reach and bless people. Not only are prayers needed for those who are being assisted and ministered to, but prayer is most importantly needed by the individual team members sacrificing their time and service. There are so many factors within and without, before, during and after. We can’t even predict, imagine or think of the possible happenings. Therefore, we need the assistance of divine intervention that is available through prayer.
So with that in mind, read this encouraging poem and know that we all have “A Call to Pray” and that your prayers really do make a difference!!
“TRAVELING ON YOUR KNEES”
Last night I took a journey
To a land across the seas.
I didn’t go by ship or plane
I traveled on my knees.
I saw so many people there
In bondage to their sin,
And Jesus told me I should go,
That there were souls to win.
But I said “Jesus, I can’t go
To lands across the seas.”
He answered quickly, “Yes, you can
By traveling on your knees.”
He said, “You pray, I’ll meet the need.
You call, and I will hear.
It’s up to you to be concerned
For lost souls far and near.”
And so I did; knelt in prayer,
Gave up some hours of ease,
And with the Savior by my side,
I traveled on my knees.
As I prayed on, I saw souls saved
And twisted persons healed,
I saw God’s workers strength renewed
While laboring in the field.
I said, “Yes Lord, I’ll take the job.
Your heart I want to please.
I’ll heed Your call and swiftly go
By traveling on my knees.”
Poem By Sandra Goodwin
No matter what station or location you may find yourself in life, remember there is always the “call to pray!” Be encouraged, spend time in prayer, open your heart, be a blessing and be blessed!!