This Present Darkness & Prayer

I just finished reading "This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti. Wow. What an amazing book. I had heard wonderful things about it, but it was truly better than I expected.

I realize that the book is fiction - period. However, it absolutely gave me new inspiration in my personal prayer life. I firmly believe everything the bible says about prayer and spiritual battles/warfare. But sometimes, I confess, I am not as diligent in praying for others as I should be. Sometimes my prayer life is just plain pathetic. It's not that I don't pray, but sometimes I don't pray with the faith and fervency that I should. James 5:16 tells us that the "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." I love the KJV version "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." We are called to intercede and pray for one another.

This book was a clear reminder to me that prayer does matter. We may not see the spiritual battles raging on for us and our loved ones, but that doesn't mean that there aren't battles. The bible tells us there are. Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Prayer matters. Jesus himself prayed often - I am sure far more than we will ever know. All throughout the bible we see powerful examples of the importance and impact of prayer. "This Present Darkness" might be fiction, but it certainly reminded me - yet again - to get on my knees and intercede for those I love and for others that need our prayers.

By Faith

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

Have you ever had a loved one that you have been praying and praying and praying for and yet they don't seem to be getting any closer to having a real relationship with Jesus Christ? I have and I do. In fact, sometimes it seems like the more I pray the farther they seem to run from all that Christ has to offer. It absolutely breaks my heart.

I firmly believe with all of my heart that God's Word is true and powerful and mighty for the casting down of strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) I don't doubt God's Word or His promises. I also don't doubt His timing and His will for us. And so I continue to pray in faith.

I understand the concept of free-will and that we can't force someone to come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I also know what it is to pray in faith for a loved one and have them come into a full and abundant relationship with the Savior. And so I continue to go to the Throne Room and petition on behalf of those I love. Jesus Christ lives to intercede for us and is sitting at the right hand of God doing so on our behalf - and on behalf of those I love.

If you have a loved one that you sometimes wonder if they will ever come to know Christ as their Savior - please continue to pray. Don't give up. Continue to intercede for them and believe. Because after all - faith is being sure of what we HOPE for and certain of what we do not see!