One and Done Prayers

In America, I think as culture we gravitate to a “One and Done” mentality when it comes to most things.  We like to be efficient with our time and truthfully we hate to be inconvenienced.  Sometimes I think we can unknowingly let that way of thinking creep into our prayer life.

When I was reading from the Book of Ephesians, I noticed that the Apostle Paul didn’t ask the readers of his letter to pray once for the saints and pray once for Paul, but rather you read the words always keep on praying.  Looking through the New Testament, you won’t find the early saints being one and done prayer warriors.

Warren Wiersbe writes in his commentary, that we are to persevere in prayer.  This is the way the early believers prayed.” Perseverance in prayer does not mean that we are trying to twist God’s arm, but rather that we are deeply concerned and burdened and cannot rest until we get God’s answer. 

Often we quit praying just before God is about to give the victory.  Friends, as Wiersbe says “keep on praying until the Spirit stops you or the Father answers.”  In other words, pray until something happens.

And we shouldn’t just pray for those in crisis, but pray for people that we think are strong and don’t need the prayers.  Pray for the people that seem to have it together and at the top of their game.  Paul asked the Ephesians to pray that he would be fearless in declaring in the gospel.  Paul was already fearless and bold in sharing the gospel that is why he was in prison in Rome and yet he is imploring to pray for the very thing he already seems to possess.

This passage is such a great reminder that even the leaders that have produced clear evidence of unwavering courage and faith, rely on and count of the prayers of brothers and sisters in the Lord.  Because WE ALL wrestle against Satan’s tactics to dislodge our confidence and trust in Christ.

“Lord, may we not be known as people that are “One and Done” saints, but rather saints that persevere and that pray in the Spirit according to your will.  Help us not to drop off in prayer because it is inconvenient, discouraging, or worse yet we are bored because you aren’t moving fast enough for us.  God forgive us for our lack of faith, devotion and patience and help us to be true prayer warriors that don’t drop the kick the people that you love so dearly.  Remind us to fight for them in prayer.  Help us to recognize like Paul did, that although he was strong in so many ways he was counting on the prayers of his brothers and sisters to keep going.  Thank you Jesus that we can count you to guide us in prayer and bring to mind those you want us to be praying for.  We love you Lord.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.”

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,  for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”  Ephesians 6:18-20 NIV

^“Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

^“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.” Ephesians 6:12  The Amplified Bible

 ^“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5  NIV

The photo was taken at Mt. Gilead's Winter Youth Camp. The rock represents the camper's take away for the weekend. A great reminder for us all.