SCRIPTURE READING: LUKE 11:1 - 10

Key Text: 2 Timothy 1:3 - Without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day.

J. D. Branon was headed out the door one morning when his wife Sue said, "Don't forget to pray for Julie. She has a big test today." It was not unusual for Sue to give him a reminder like that before he left. "Don't worry," he replied, "I'll be on prayer patrol!"

In reality, we all need to be on prayer patrol all the time. When we are, we follow in the tradition of patrol members like Daniel, who prayed despite opposition (Daniel 6:10); the widow Anna, who prayed night and day (Luke 2:36-37); Paul who prayed for his friends in Rome (Romans 1:9); and Cornelius, a God-fearing soldier who did double duty by being in constant prayer (Acts 10:1-2).

God's Word contains our marching orders for being on prayer patrol. Some of them are:

• Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• Continue steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12).
• Pray morning, noon and night (Psalm 55:17).
• Pray always and do not get discouraged (Luke 18:1).

It's not difficult to find enough things to pray about. There are needs everywhere. The tough part is following through on our commitment to pray. Remind yourself throughout the day that you have a job to do. People are counting on you. You are on prayer patrol.
Remember, prayer is dialog with God, not some requests babbled from your list early in the morning. Prayer is an ongoing thing throughout the day.

Commit to pray and intercede -
The battle's strong and great's the need;
And this one truth can't be ignored:
Our only help comes from the Lord.
Praying frequently will lead to praying fervently!

J. P. Fourie
The King's kid