If There Is No Prayer

Bill Brinkworth

One of the most important tools a Christian has, in his spiritual arsenal, is prayer. It is not utilized properly by most. Prayer by Christians will change situations when God answers them. Here are some consequences in people’s lives when little or no prayer is offered in their behalf:

No salvation. Since prayer is talking to God, no salvation can be obtained, by anyone, unless they pray.
Acts 2:21 “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Calling unto God for salvation is one of the first prayers God will answer.Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - No asking; no salvation.
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.”

No healing. One’s cancer, infirmity, or health problem may not be changed if there is no prayer offered. Death and continued sickness will result if a Christian does not seek God’s intervention in the situation. What an awesome responsibility we have to prayer for others and ourselves.
James 5:14 “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:”
James 5:15 “ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

No Godly control. There is no hope for supernatural assistance if prayers are not offered about the situation. One is on their own, without God’s help, and taking their chances on how the matter will turn out.
Luke 11:2 “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” – His will and way may not be performed unless He is asked.

No protection.
Jesus knew His prayer could change the circumstances he was in: Matthew 26:53 “ Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?”
Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Temptation to sin can be avoided with prayer.

No needs being met. No blessing.
Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – All things can be asked for.
Matthew 21:22 “ And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
Matthew 6:11 “ Give us this day our daily bread” - from the Lord’s model prayer. Daily needs may not be met if they are not asked for.

No change.
Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” - Watch and see how prayer changes situations.
Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” - The best cure for bullies and other things that threaten you is prayer. Not praying will not change anything!

1-18-07

This lesson was featured in The Bible View #186.