Sometimes I don’t feel like doing a lot of different things, like making dinner, doing laundry, talking to someone on the phone, or a multitude of things that simply must get done. I often have to muster up the energy and say to myself, “JUST DO IT!”
Prayer, though not one of my household duties, is equally as difficult sometimes. It’s a spiritual duty and discipline and I know the importance of it because I’ve seen answers and results of prayer. For that reason, I must pray even when I don’t feel like it. It is a discipline as much my household chores are but so much more valuable and important.
Oswald Chambers said, “Prayer is not preparation for the work, it is the work.” (His Utmost for My Highest) Prayer is often the last resort but should be the first thought. Prayer is where our decisions are made and our “next steps” determined. Prayer is where we seek the Lord for approval and direction regardless of our own plans.
The quiet closet of prayer is where ministry leaders are lifted up, where families are embraced and cared for and where our connections to the Creator are made. All that the Lord gives us to do….needs prayer support. May we see prayer as the WORK – not just the preparation for the work….and then do it – whether we feel like it or not!