“Prayer First” by Laura Tracy.
As I have been writing this article, I have received messages from Christian friends fretting about situations in their lives. When I asked them if they had talked to God about it, almost all of them replied, “No, I didn’t even think to do that.” Then I felt compelled to share my testimony of how I learned to pray first.
For many years when I faced obstacles, I quickly came up with solutions on my own. I thought I knew what the problem was, and how to fix it. But my actions usually made the problem worse, and I finally began to turn to the Lord in desperation. He patiently began to show me that if I would seek Him first and only act or speak at His direction, He would release His power into my situations. I stood back and watched in amazement at how God worked!
In the Word I noticed that Jesus the Son of God, was the only human without sin, and yet He prayed before doing anything. He prayed before starting His day (Mark 1:35), making decisions (Luke 6:12-13), beginning His ministry (Matthew 4:1-2), performing miracles (John 11:41-42; Matthew 14:23), going through great trials (Matthew 26:42), and teaching others (Luke 9:18-22).
Jesus showed us that those who pray first not only fulfill their Godly purpose, but also alleviate much of the anxieties of life.
Before Missionaries Bug and Nona Freeman went to Africa, another minister wanted to build them a brand new home, free of charge. Bro. Freeman said, “Thank you so much but let me pray about it first.” When Bro. Freeman returned he said, “I’m sorry, but the Lord said no, we are not to accept this gift.” The minister agitatedly asked why, since it was at no cost to them. Bro. Freeman told the man that he didn’t know, but he had learned to simply ask the Lord and obey what He said. Years later, the Lord revealed to Bro. Freeman that this home would have been a temptation during their difficult days in Africa, and that they would’ve given up and returned to America. Tens of thousands of souls wouldn’t have been reached if Bro. Freeman had not prayed first.
2 Chronicles 16:9 has become a beautiful beacon for my life. This message, spoken to a backslidden king who forgot to pray first, continues to inspire me: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” What a glorious promise to those who seek Him first!
I believe in this last hour, if we will be loyal to seek God first, we will go forth with clarity, boldness and power!
FROM: Ladies Prayer Intl January 2023 – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesprayerinternational@aol.com