A Lenten Prayer

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1

After taking a close look at the temptations that Jesus endured in the wilderness, we can very well identify with his struggles. But I hope we can also identify with his triumph.

There is no doubt that by fasting and the word of God Jesus was victorious over satan. But we should never forget the third critical practice that Jesus observed and that was prayer. Prayer is simply To make what God wishes, our wishes. Or as Jesus said “Not my will, but thy will be done.” (Luke 22:42) No doubt Jesus was hungry, but yet through prayer he did not turn the stones into bread. He was tempted to test God the Father’s word and faithfulness, but nevertheless he was reassured of his Father’s faithfulness after going to him in prayer. He was tempted to take back the world the easy way by bypassing the cross and submitting to the devil. But yet, through prayer, he put Satan in his proper place…behind him.

Here is a prayer that I have written that I hope will help you sometime when you feel as though you are wondering in the wilderness, experiencing temptation and are at a loss for words. Remember Jesus said that “Men ought to always pray and not faint!” (Luke 18:1)

A Lenten Prayer

Father,

As I walk in the wilderness of this world I feel that I am a stranger to all of its ways.

It reminds me that we have been created for someone, something, and some place far greater than we can ever imagine that’s not passing away, but eternal in the heavens.

I know Father that every trial and temptation is but a means to exalt your power and grace within me, through me, and to surround me as the tempter assails upon me.

I think of David in the Psalms that spent many days in the wilderness running, hiding, and pleading for your mercy and protection and how you delivered him out of them all.

I am comforted as I pray those same Psalms believing the promises, standing on them as your are my rock and my fortress.

I am thankful that Christ overcame the devil for me and that because I am in Him, I am more than a conqueror and will also overcome.

So as I hunger and thirst for righteousness in this dry and barren land, I know that you are the bread I hunger for, and that living water that will quench my thirsty soul. Just as you have brought me into this world, you will lead me through it and lead me out of it into your precious promises that I have in Jesus Christ!

Until then Father, I will walk by faith and not by sight. I pray not to live after the flesh but walk after the Spirit.

I ask that my mind and heart will be filled with your word and that I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Thank you for preparing a table for me in the presence of my enemies and everyday anointing my head with oil and causing my cup to run over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me everyday of my life, and Father in your house there are many mansions and place you have prepared for me in Christ where I will dwell forever.

In Jesus name I pray.

Amen!

Pastor Robby