(Read Luke 22)
In 1945, Baskin-Robbins’ founders Burt and Irv launched the ice cream giant with 31 flavors. At the time, that was an unheard-of variety pack! My quiet time with the LORD also comes in a variety of shapes and flavors. The difference is that no two days are ever the same. Even my vanilla on Monday looks nothing like my vanilla on Friday. Quiet time with God is so much more than meditation; it’s more than finding peace in the day; it’s deeper than asking to be heard; it’s a spiritual discipline.
When we spend time starting the day, taking a break during the day, or ending the day communing with God, we prioritize prayer and Scripture. We might be meditating, but we’re meditating ON God’s word. We’re reflecting and listening, and we are transformed through each encounter.
Aside from pouring into the Bible and doing my best to absorb God’s word, prayer is a big part of my quiet time. Every day is different. Some days, I spend more time exploring Scripture, while others, it’s all about my prayers. A common expression amongst Christians and non-Christians is to say, “I’ll pray for you.” But have you? Will you? Prayer makes such a difference in someone’s life, in their family, in their community, and in the world. If you don’t believe it, you might live in a world I don’t know about.
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
Jeremiah 29:12-14
This passage comes from a letter the prophet Jeremiah wrote to the Israelites exiled in Babylon. They were facing a long, uncertain, and desperate future. There has been a lot written about this passage, whether it strictly speaks to the Jewish nation or whether God had a broader brush application intended for His gentile children. Because of Jesus Christ, all believers can claim this assurance from God. Whether children of Abraham or Andrew, we know that God is listening, waiting for us to turn to him in prayer. Exiled in Babylon or our own fears, we can always have a relationship with God. Finding God requires genuine seeking and a sincere desire for connection. It’s not about rituals or empty words but a deep longing for God’s presence. I submit that we feel His presence the strongest when we’re in a posture of silent, humble prayer. God promises to hear our prayers and to bring them back from exile.
The Israelites endured 70 years of exile in horrible conditions in a strange land as second-class citizens in a society where they weren’t wanted. God told them to hold on. While seven decades is a lifetime to some, it’s a blink of an eye to God. Thanks to Christ’s defeat of death, we are sustained by the hope, life, and assurance from God.
Earnest prayer returns to a right relationship with God, acknowledging our need for His guidance and intervention. “I will be found by you,” God said. Even in our darkest times, prayer lifts us to the One who is not hiding from us but is ready to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
Some days, when my schedule is jam-packed, when I’m running short on time and fumes, I struggle to keep prayer time uncluttered and meaningful. Admittedly, my heart isn’t always as earnest as it should be. When prayer becomes an exercise or chore, it tells us we’re doing rather than trusting. Thanks to the faith that the Holy Spirit put in my heart, I can shed distractions and open up to what God is saying to me. It’s on these days that I often feel my strongest connections with Him.
When the writer of Hebrews used the word “rewards” he wasn’t referring to material things. He was speaking about God’s favor and blessings. The “reward” isn’t meant to be a bribe to make us seek God. It’s more about the natural outcome of a close relationship with God. God’s reward has also been referred to as a “Gift of God,” which includes eternal life in Christ Jesus, abundant grace, and being saved through faith.
Faith is the foundation for approaching God. We must believe God is real, He is not a lower-case god, and we must trust that God rewards those who diligently seek him. This reward isn’t necessarily material but refers to God’s blessings and guidance throughout life. Pastor Joby Martin said, “Faith is not believing that; it’s trusting in.” Actively pursuing God through prayer demonstrates this faith and trust.
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32
Some demonstrate an outward need for prayer, while others seem to be comfortable and secure in their life. But we all need prayer. We will never know everything that’s going on inside someone’s life. Sometimes, the calmest, most joyous, pleasant people are going through the most turmoil. Jesus told Simon (Peter) and commanded us to pray for others.
This morning, I prayed for my wife, one of my closest friends, and my daughter. I won’t say who outwardly needed it more, but I know my pleas were heard.
We know about prayer and faith from what Jesus taught us. Prayer should be sincerity over showmanship, praising God over ourselves. Seeking forgiveness, provision, and deliverance from temptation is praying with faith the way Christ expects. Prayer should be persistent and packed with faith in His Holy name. We should believe, not guess, that our faith will carry us and others home.
If you want proof of the success of prayers, skip a day. Ask any believer how they face adversity without prayer. We aren’t guaranteed a lot of things, but one thing is for sure: life is ripe with pain, struggle, and death. There’s a reason for the age-old expression, “There are no atheists in a foxhole.” Sadly, there are, but I can’t imagine trusting fate over faith and trusting in the random over the righteous.
Jesus told Peter that He prayed for him. He prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. With Christ praying for us, we are strengthened and blessed to strengthen our brothers and sisters. I was blown away when I read this recently. Can you imagine what it’s like when God is praying for you! When we pray, we reach out and grab God’s attention for our praise and needs. Prayer enlists Jesus to work on our behalf. When we pray, God is praying for us. Let’s not be the person who says, “I’ll pray for you,” because it sounds compassionate, but don’t. Let’s be the followers of Christ who use our God-given faith to lift ourselves, our family, our friends, our community, and our world. Even atheists have faith, but the difference between believers and non-believers is where we put that faith!
Then call on me on the day of distress;
I will rescue you, and you shall honor me.”
Psalm 50:15
Key Applications:
- While the sifting is unpleasant, it can also refine and strengthen our faith. Trials allow us to grow, especially when we trust in the LORD.
- Despite Peter’s denial, Jesus restores him (John 21:15-19). Believers can take heart that failure isn’t the end. God’s grace allows for repentance and restoration. Don’t give up; lift your spirits, pray, and know your voice has been heard.
- All believers should seek God’s strength rather than relying on personal strength. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This happens through sincere worship, mediation, and prayer with God.