[Perspective] A time and a place for prayer

Prayer. What comes to mind? Intercession? God the Father who loves us and is all powerful, has all knowledge and is ever present? Jesus Christ our Savior, intercessor and advocate who gives us access to the Father? The Holy Spirit who indwells us and helps us pray and can communicate our deepest feelings that cannot be verbalized? Yes, we think of all this and more. 

Do you have a time and place of prayer? We surely pray without ceasing and speak with God throughout the day. It is special, however, to have a place and time where we pray each day. I find myself making a mental prayer list as the day unfolds knowing I will have the privilege of praying and being heard later that day. In recent years I have found that the best time for extended prayer is just before I start trying to go to sleep! I literally pray across the country. I start in California and pray for a dear friend. I then pray for people in West Texas, the Metroplex around Dallas, Oklahoma, many in Arkansas, then friends across the south that lead ministries like mine. I have found this prayer time to be anticipated and treasured.  

Next Monday evening and Tuesday morning, we have the opportunity once again to gather as Arkansas Baptists for a time of encouragement, instruction and prayer. Bill Elliff has been a close friend for many years. In reviewing the agenda for the meeting, I read one of his statements, “His presence is our greatest need, and our presence is His greatest desire.”  I know I need Him, but to think that He would want to be with me is unfathomable, but incredibly true! Just as fathers among us desire to see, talk and enjoy our children’s presence, so the Lord God desires ours. After all, God sent his Son to die and redeem us from our sins so that we may have access and fellowship with God through Jesus. 

It is still midafternoon as I write this article, but I am praying as I type. I have no idea who may read this article, but my prayer is that the Lord will, through a person, problem, predicament, or a positive turn, impress upon you that your greatest need is met in Him. Added to that, He wants to hear from you! 

I hope to see you at the Prayer Gathering August 26-27 at The Summit Church in North Little Rock.