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Have you sent a text to a group of friends saying something like, “Prayers needed”? We go through seasons of ups and downs, but one day something unexpected and urgent happens.
It’s an active prayer day!
This day isn’t an option and not a question of “if” but of “when.” We will all experience active prayer days. Will we be prepared? What can we do?
First: Realize it will happen.
We can live hoping we won’t confront difficulty, even developing avoidance techniques out of fear. These “sticking our heads in the sand” thoughts of “it won’t happen to me,” “I will never succumb to that temptation,” or “I don’t need help” only increase the potential of an active prayer day.
Second: Be prepared.
Our physical bodies can’t withstand running a marathon every day. I’ve also heard of great saints who pray two to three hours a day.
But I must be honest, I’ve never run a marathon, but I do exercise regularly, and I rarely pray two to three hours a day. Yet both physically and spiritually, I have a prepared level of fitness.
It’s not the heroics of 40-day fasts or memorizing the Book of Psalms that enable correct response during an active prayer day but disciplines like daily devotions, journaling God’s spoken voice to you, and previous faith steps of obedience.
Third: Have a few steadfast friends.
Despite determination, an active prayer day can stretch and break our endurance.
We might not be able to stand alone. What should we do? We then send emails or texts asking for prayer. But it’s important to have friends who will stop what they are doing, pray, and, if necessary, come help.
Hebrews 10:25 says. . .
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (ESV).
On an active prayer day, I find two verses helpful from Romans 8:
The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (v. 26).
and. . .
Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us (v. 34).
When the day arrives, we have confidence through a realization that leads to preparation, with friends who stand with us and the Spirit and Jesus both interceding for us.
Victory!