Convicting Prayer Life

“The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16b

I have been working on my prayer life this year and have enjoyed reading through the Bible and noting the prayers of God’s servants. It has been fascinating to read the prayers of Moses, David, Daniel and Paul.

In my devotional readings I have come across the prayers of men like George Mueller who was obviously a man devoted to the ministry of prayer.

If you have never picked up a copy of “The Valley of Vision – Prayers of The Puritans” I urge you to go to your local Christian Bookstore or www.amazon.com. I am probably on my fifth read of this powerful resource and each time the prayers have dug deeper into my spirit. I have found myself asking the question, “Can I REALLY” pray this?

Here is a snapshot of the prayer I read over the weekend:

Preserve my understanding from error,

My affections from love of idols,

My lips from speaking guile,

My conduct from stain of vice,

My character from appearance of evil, that I may be

Harmless
Blameless
Rebukeless
Exemplary
Useful
Light-giving
Prudent
Zealous for His glory and the good of fellow-men.

I posted this on Facebook and one of my friends wrote: “Wow – that just about covers every part of my life!” And he is right.

What would God do in my life and yours if we were will to pray like this? What might happen in our families? In our churches? In our businesses or ministries?

The question is am I bold enough – daring enough – willing enough to pray like this? Well I am already started. Want to join me?

Running the race with joy,

Bill Welte
President/CEO America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 119:89-176; 2 Corinthians 5

Quote of the day: When you desire to be most alive to God, you will generally find sin most alive to repel you. —C.H. Spurgeon

Verse to Memorize: “Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes. Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord; revive me according to Your judgments. Psalm 119:155-156