Why Doesn’t Prayer Work? A Look at Prayer From the Example Jesus Set by Wycliffe Bible Translators預覽

Rescue Us From Evil: Is Prayer a Last Resort?

If you’ve ever made the mistake of treating prayer as a last resort, reserved only for those completely overwhelming, nail-biting, desperate moments in life, you’re not alone.

In the Book of Jonah, you’ll find that even though Jonah heard directly from God, he didn’t want to obey. Jonah tried to run away from God before running out of options and turning to his ultimate last resort: prayer. From inside a giant fish, Jonah cried out for help: “As my life was slipping away, I remembered the LORD. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple” (Jonah 2:7, NLT).

What had gotten Jonah in this desperate situation in the first place? Because of fear, he hadn’t wanted to follow God’s plan or wait on His timing, so he took matters into his own hands. Just like Jonah, your independence and self-sufficiency might make you forget sometimes that prayer should be the first thing you do instead of the last.

Let Scripture passages like Psalm 91 help you remember the power, protection and rest God provides when you make Him your refuge and shelter. Don’t run to the safety of God just occasionally; run to Him constantly!

In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (NLT).

Paul knew that we tend to either turn to our strength or succumb to worry, fear and anxiety rather than rely on God through the most simple yet powerful solution of all: prayer. But relying on God regularly through prayer — making it your go-to at first rather than your remember-to at last — guarantees you His peace, which will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Questions for Reflection:

• What was the last thing you desperately needed and received?
• Think back to a situation in your life that seemed hopeless. What was your response?
• Jonah was aware of his sin, but he was also aware of God’s love and grace. Do you recognize God’s great love for you? How does having that knowledge impact your life?