April 12
NEGLECTING PRAYER ALTOGETHER.
A final hurdle to answered prayer is neglecting prayer altogether. Laziness and distractibility are the worst reasons for not praying. None of us wants to be called a “wicked, lazy servant” (Matthew 25:26) by God.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus said, “The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22, emphasis added). When a person doesn’t bother to pray because he feels he has more important things to do, or is too involved with the cares and concerns of this life, even what he knows about prayer will bear no fruit for him. When we neglect prayer, we ignore exhortations from God’s Word: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me…” (Ephesians 6:18–19). “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). Failing to pray is neglecting the Word of God.
Matthew 3:10 says, “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” We must avoid becoming complacent in our knowledge of the Word and neglecting to nurture it. However, when we hear, absorb, and apply the Word, we will bear the fruit of spiritual growth and answered
prayer. We will see the fulfillment of God’s original purposes for blessing the earth.
Thought: None of us wants to be called a wicked and lazy servant!
Prayer: Father, I do not want to neglect Your Word. Help me to pray for myself and others and not succumb to laziness or life’s distractions. In Jesus’ name.
Daily Bible Reading For The Year: April 12 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalms 11, 59
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