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The struggle of Prayer

Background: 

Many are OK in reading the Bible and worshipping God. We are also OK in listening to sermons and showing up for church. The difficulty is in prayer, where we could only do seconds or minutes, but nothing more.

Scripture: Exodus 17:10-11

The story is about Moses overcoming the Amalekites. Moses was holding the staff while Joshua and the Israelites were in battle. When Moses's hand was up, Israel was winning, but when the hand is down, Israel will lose. When Moses cannot lift his hand any more, they were propped up by Aaron and Hur. Moses's hand was lifted all the way until victory was achieved. 

The struggle is real.



Why must we struggle in prayer even when it is difficult to do so? 
Because there is...


1. Battle in the spiritual realm


The spiritual realm exist , and the devil exists as well. Know that the devil is out there as a prowling lion looking for someone to devour. Thus, our struggle is not against flesh or blood but against spiritualities in heavenly places.  

Daniel was also praying but there was no answer. When the angel showed up after 21 days, he told Daniel that he was dispatched but was stopped by the prince of Persia. It was only after 21 days that he appeared to Daniel. But the angel will leave to fight again after delivering the message.

We must continue to pray because the battle continues. Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saints on their knees.

2. Conquering of the flesh


It is understandable to be tired because our flesh is weak. In many commentaries, the scholars pointed out that only Moses's hands are tired but the soldiers are not. Same as real life - it is easy to serve, to worship, to read. The more spiritual the service is, the more difficult it is to overcome the flesh. 

How did Moses overcome? It is by leaning on the others - Aaron and Hur supported Moses. It is through teamwork that we can continue with prayer.

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked his disciples to watch and pray, lest they fall into temptation.  Are we watching, praying? If we do not continue in prayer, we will lose. Let's not make the mistake of doing and not praying beforehand.

Prayer is the same as building muscles. The longer we perservere, the better we are at it.

3. Discipline to ensure victory


Prayer is so important and if we are disciplined in doing so, we will see results. 

The victory over the Amalekites is no small task. The Amalekites were a trained and prepared army whereas the Israelite were refugees who have just left Egypt. But Moses kept his hands up until sunset while Daniel waited 21 days. 

We pray and give up way too easily. Jesus himself taught that we should always pray and not give up via the parable of the unjust judge. Even if the judge is unjust, he will take action because of the widow was persistent with her prayers.

All prayers are answered: yes, no, or wait. We just don't like the last 2 answers. 

If we have not seen results, have we prayed enough like Moses or the persistent widow? Persevere and we will see the results. 


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