ARC Prayer Meeting:
This past Sunday at the American Reformation we finished expounding on Proverbs chapter two, verses 20-22. Tonight, for our midweek service, we will briefly explore the role of prayer as it relates to these passages. Right out of the gate, we need to comprehend that prayer helps keep us on the right path.
Proverbs 2 teaches us that wisdom is not merely something we acquire; it is something we need to retain and walk in daily. Solomon describes two paths with two different destinies: the way of goodness and the way of wickedness. One leads to dwelling and remaining and the other being rooted out and cut off from the earth. Every day, we face life’s issues that can draw us closer to God or seek to alienate us.
Prayer is essential because it keeps our hearts dependent upon God as we seek to walk in His wisdom. We cannot faithfully travel the path of righteousness through our own strength. We need the Lord to guide our steps, convict us of sin, and strengthen our obedience.
First, prayer helps direct our steps in the way of goodness. In this, we should follow the example of our Lord, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38). Verse 20 says, “So you may walk in the way of goodness and keep to the paths of righteousness.”
Again, we must take note of the word walk. The Christian life is not merely about knowing what is right; it is about developing a consistency of doing what is right. It is part of the believer’s sanctification in salvation.
Prayer brings our decisions before the Lord. It teaches us to ask, “Lord, is this pleasing to You? Will this decision honor Your Word? Am I following Your wisdom or my own desires?” Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Before making major decisions, entering difficult conversations, or facing temptation, we should consult God’s Word and pray for wisdom. Do not merely ask God to bless the path you have chosen; ask Him to direct you onto the path He desires.
Next, prayer sustains us in the path of righteousness. Verse 21 says, “For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it.” The upright are those who walk in integrity before God. This does not mean they are sinlessly perfect, but that their lives are characterized by faith and a desire to obey the Lord.
Prayer sustains this kind of life. It is through prayer that we confess our sins, seek forgiveness, receive strength in temptation, and renew our dependence upon God's grace. This is why weekly communion at our church service is so important. We take to the time to remember, confess, and receive the grace we need to continue to press on to the high call and prize in Jesus’ name!
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). We should never become so confident in our spiritual maturity that we neglect prayer. The moment we believe we can stand without God's help is often the moment we become most vulnerable to failing. Paul warned, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Lastly, prayer should remind us that two paths have two diverse destinations. Verse 22 warns that “the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.” Solomon reminds us that ideas have consequences, and a belief system will lead us somewhere. The path of righteousness leads toward life under God's blessing, while the path of wickedness ends in judgment.
Prayer helps us keep these things in mind with eternity in view. When we pray, we bring our hearts before the God who sees the end from the beginning. Having stated these truths, it is good to intercede for those who are walking in the wrong direction as well.
Paul commands us in 1 Timothy 2:1 to offer “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks” for all people. Praying for our own faithfulness, our families to walk in righteousness, and for those who have wandered from the Lord is needed and necessary. Prayer is one way we express our dependence upon God and our concern for the spiritual welfare of others.
