Men of Prayer
"I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere…” (1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV).
Men Are Built to Protect
As a man, we have a built-in protective instinct designed to shield and guard our loved ones from harm at all times—no matter what the cost. From young men to old, men have absolute determination to do whatever it takes and even stand in harm’s way if necessary to protect.
If someone beat on our front door at midnight, everything within me, as a man, would spring into protective mode. If an intruder came to do my family harm, I would fight with every ounce of energy to defend my loved ones—no matter how much it cost me personally or how long it took. We, as men, are wired to use every ounce of energy to guard, shield and shelter our families. This amazing selfless resolve is built-in "standard equipment" God placed inside each of us.
Consider Our Responsibility In Prayer as Men
If we asked a room full of men what they would do physically to protect their families if they perceived imminent danger, I’m sure the whole group would respond with passionate commitment to do whatever was necessary to ensure their family’s safety. But how many men are willing to use the same intensity on their knees in prayer for their family?
In this hour it is vital that we stand up and take responsibility to watch over our households in prayer. C. Nuzum said, “Watchfulness is the price of constant victory.” It is one of our God-given purposes to stand watch in prayer, and it pays to do so. “Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints…” (Ephesians 6:18 AMPC).
Put God First
As the head of the house we can lead by example by putting God first in our lives. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). As we spend time reading the Bible and praying, we become sensitive to God’s voice leading us. We can then commune with God throughout the day and receive His guidance on even the smallest details of life.
Prayer is communication with God. Some may say, “Prayer is just not my thing.” That is like saying, “Communication with God is just not my thing.” Begin by simply talking with God each day. Continue by prioritizing your prayer time and covering your family in prayer.
God Will Talk To You About Your Family
“And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him” (Genesis 18:17-20 NKJV).
Notice what God said about Abraham, “For I have known him…” In other words, God said, Abraham communes with me and I know him. I know he will lead his family in the right way; therefore I won’t hide anything from him. It’s so important to live and grow sensitive to God’s voice. This comes through investing time in our prayer and devotional lives as individuals.
Pressure To Lead? Just Follow!
Often there is pressure on men to lead spiritually and to know all the answers. If our job requires a lot of mental focus, our mind can be wrapped around the details we are responsible for at work. Although we may not feel spiritual, we can simply begin by taking steps toward God in a devotional time each morning or evening. John 10:27 says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” When we spend time with God reading the Bible and praying, we become sensitive to His voice and are able to follow Him. Rather than feel pressure to lead, just follow Jesus. He not only knows the way, He IS the way!
Be Strong In The Lord
Notice Ephesians 6:10, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” This verse says to be strong in the Lord, not strong in ourselves. When we look to God and ask for help, He steps in and helps. When we ask in faith and believe, He shows up every time.
"Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops”(James 5:17-18). In this passage, God reminds us that Elijah was a man just like us. In essence He is saying if Elijah can do it, you can too. This encourages me every time I read it. If we will just take steps toward prayer and respond to Him, consider how much can be changed!
Side-Step the Bad and Step into the Good
God desires to use us to lead our families into His rich benefits, and side-step the plots and schemes of the enemy. Let’s take the necessary time on our knees in the presence of God and pray for our families. God will use our prayers not only to protect and deliver them from evil, but also to ensure they have every opportunity to lay hold of the abundant plan of God for their lives.
"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them" (Mark 11:24 NKJV). God has so many good things for us to step into if we will only ask Him and believe. Why not? What could possibly be more important? Let’s accept the challenge today to pray and we will see God move mightily.
by Scott Redmond