The Greatest Discouragement for My Prayer Life

This is the final installment of the series on Fighting the Spiritual Battle in Prayer.

As I close this message, let me warn you about a danger of listening to sermons or reading books on prayer.

I sometimes leave hearing about prayer encouraged for a time, but as time goes on and I realize my shortcomings, the encouragement turns into a list of to-dos or a burden.

Thinking about my prayer life is probably the most discouraging thing for my prayer life. I’m not perfect and my prayers fall short.

Let me encourage you to set your mind not on your prayers but on the greatness and glory of the One you pray to, because looking at the love and character of our God is what will encourage us more than anything. That’s one reason the Lord’s prayer begins the way it does.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9–10).

God has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be adopted into His family, objects of His love and affection (Ephesians 1:3–6). We were once far off and His enemies, but we have been brought near and forgiven by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). He has all authority and power and dominion in the entire universe—and has already vanquished our enemy (Ephesians 1:19–23). And He invites you to pray.

If you’re ever discouraged, cling to the words of Romans 8:32:

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

Don’t focus on your failure in prayer. Focus on the One who doesn’t fail and forgives your failures. He is our Commander and the ultimate warrior in the spiritual battle.

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