The past two posts have dealt with the first two phrases of Romans 12:12, Be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. Let's look briefly at the third, and final, portion of this verse: faithful in prayer. This is not simply a pious-sounding "add on" to this passage, but is actually the key to understanding all that Paul is saying in this chapter. You see, prayer is the source of power for living the Christian life. It isn't our own willpower or personality that make the difference, it is the faith which is grown through prayer.
Prayer is not about us reciting pre-written, eloquent prose to God . . . the humble cry of the vilest offender is heard over the repetitious rattle of the arrogant or self-impressed. Prayer is about opening the heart to our dearest friend, acknowledging Him for who He is (the Sovereign Lord of the Universe), and listening to His words of direction, comfort, admonition, love, or whatever else He desires for us to know at the moment. This relationship building through prayer is what develops our faith in the Lord Jesus as our Father, Advocate to the throne, and Spiritual guide.
To be faithful in prayer means to live your life in a constant attitude of prayer. No, that doesn't mean that you stay on your knees with folded hands all day long. Obviously, that isn't possible if you have a life outside a monastery. A "constant attitude of prayer" means that you live with a constant awareness of God's presence and you naturally converse with Him, much as you would a best friend or spouse. Now granted, if you walk around all day talking to the Lord out loud there will be many who will think you have a screw loose. That's not what I'm talking about when I refer to an attitude of prayer. Here is an example of what I mean: Each day we face dozens, if not hundreds of decisions. Most of those decisions are pretty much automatic - things you really don't have to think about and honestly, aren't that important. However, most days we are faced with decisions that are pretty important, and some are potentially life-changing. For one who lives in a constant attitude of prayer it will be natural to take a moment, silently breath a prayer for guidance, and act upon what they believe the Lord is telling them to do, or to not make that decision until they know what He wants.
Being faithful in prayer also means to be regular and committed to having a special time of prayer and fellowship with God each day. The constant attitude of prayer will not occur unless there is a daily, significiant connection with the Lord. Most people refer to this as having a quiet time . . . a period of Bible study, intecessory prayer, and stillness before the Lord. It is through the quiet time that relationship is built and faith is bolstered, opening us to receive power to start the day. Then, as we face the challenges of the day our attitude of prayer serves as a continuing conduit of power.
It is that power boost that enables us to love sincerely, hate evil and cling to good, be devoted to one another in brotherly love, honor others above ourselves, stay filled with zeal and spiritual fervor as we serve the Lord, be joyful in hope, and patient in our trials (verses 9-12). Stay plugged into the power source which strengthens you to do all things and face anything this world can throw at you.
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