“The Vital Necessity of Prayer”
By Jim Schneider, Executive Director
VCY America
As a nation, we are facing many grim situations that breed feelings of defeat, hopelessness, and despair. We observe the trajectory of our country and realize it’s not headed in the right direction. To many, the future is not looking so bright.
Without question, there is a growing intolerance toward Christianity. Those who stand for Biblical morality are targeted as being “rightwing extremists.” A deliberate censorship is taking place on social media platforms to extinguish true biblical perspective.
Offense is taken when the name of Jesus is given in a prayer, but applauded when used as an expletive. People are told to keep their religion at home or confine it within the four walls of their church, but do not dare bring it out in the public square. Those who hold differing positions from the cultural trends are often passed over in times of job advancement to make way for someone of lesser ability who will tow the new societal norm.
While the tendency is often to complain and grouse about societal trends, we are missing one of the greatest tools available at our disposal: prayer!
Times were tough for the followers of Jesus Christ following His resurrection and ascension to heaven. The disciples came under great persecution for testifying of the risen Christ. Sometimes persecution came with verbal warning, sometimes with beatings, sometimes with prison, and sometimes with death.
Such was the targeting of the Apostle Peter. A very wicked ruler, King Herod’ was in authority. He had killed John’s brother, James, with the sword and the masses were pleased. Seeing this brought enthusiasm to the people, Peter was apprehended and put in prison. A multiplicity of soldiers kept guard over him. The Herod Administration had very special plans to take his life as well.
The Scriptures reveal what took place, “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:5) The words, “but prayer was made” have great significance. Rather than participating in a complaining session as to how bad their government was, they prayed. The Scriptures tell how the angel of the Lord came and delivered him from the prison, by getting him past all the guards, opening the ironclad prison gates and delivering him onto the street where freedom awaited him.
Sadly, while many were intensely praying for Peter’s release, there was doubt of God’s very direct answer. As Peter knocked on the door of a home in which women were immersed in dedicated prayer for his release, they did not at first believe that their prayer had been answered. After Peter’s persistent knocking, they finally realized that the God to whom they were praying performed the very miracle they were requesting.
Could it be that we would have the same persistence in prayer that future generations would look back at 2024 and say, “but prayer was made without ceasing of the church?” Think what power could be afforded in prayer! The following situations for 2024 could have a complete turnaround:
Statistics tell us of declining church attendance, less Bible reading and fewer believing in the absolute truth and authority of the Scriptures. The number of those actively sharing their faith in Jesus is declining. Religious institutions are abandoning doctrine to maintain their numbers. “But prayer was made without ceasing of the church.”
The assault on the preborn has risen to barbaric levels as a number of states become abortion destinations and others are looking to enshrine in their state Constitutions the ability to kill children from conception to natural birth. “But prayer was made without ceasing of the church.”
DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) has taken center stage in government, in politics, in corporate America, in entertainment, in media, in classrooms across the country and in every day practices. The LGBTQ agenda is sweeping the nation by storm and schools are preparing to teach LGBTQ history month in October with a “National Coming Out Day” emphasized. Title IX has been hijacked with a new definition to expand the meaning of “sex” to now include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” Girls feel unsafe in their own restroom and locker rooms, and biological boys and men are hijacking girls’ and women’s sports. “But prayer was made without ceasing of the church.”
Crime and lawlessness are on the increase. “Smash and grab” has become a way of life. Car jackings are becoming more prevalent. Vandalism and destruction are abounding and a disregard for law enforcement is on the increase. “But prayer was made without ceasing of the church.”
Anti-Semitism has been flourishing on college campuses by students, faculty and administrators. Jewish students are being threatened not only on their campuses but also in their synagogues, and in everyday life situations. “But prayer was made without ceasing of the church.”
Paganism is running rampant across the nation as most recently a 90-foot statute was unveiled at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple just outside of Houston, TX. This is a monkey-headed Hindu god labeled the “Statue of Union.” It is said to infuse “divinity” into a Hindu temple. “But prayer was made without ceasing of the church.”
The listings of present-day trends could continue for multiple pages. The bigger question is, “Are you praying?” Christians have an important responsibility to follow the example of Moses, Nehemiah, Daniel, Peter, Paul, and the women included in this important prayer meeting in Acts 12 along with the many other examples of consistent and persistent prayer. May we pray believing and pray with confidence knowing that, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16b)
