PRAYING AT THE CROSSROADS
By W. Clyde Martin

Andrew Murray wrote, "A much-praying minister will receive an entrance into God's will he would otherwise know nothing of; will be brought before praying people where he does not expect them; will receive blessings above all he asks or thinks. The teaching and the power of the Holy Ghost are alike unalterably linked to prayer. This power is given to the men who say: "We will give ourselves to more prayer."

TO PRAY ... THAT IS THE SECRET

It is the continuous, persevering, God honoring daily praying that moves the mighty hand of God to pour upon His people the blessings of His grace in such rich abundance; and if ever you should ask the secret of God's current spiritual prosperity upon your life, the answer is your prayer life.

You have not because you ask not. We must pray or else things do not happen. I am constantly amazed over the fact that God only moves in answer to prayer. The desire of our heart must be put to prayer. Ask and you shall receive; ask not and you receive not. Therefore, we must pray the desires of our heart. The petitions we offer unto God by the Holy Spirit in the name of Christ receive immediate attention. The fact that almighty God is quick to act when we pray also leaves me amazed. I am in awe when I receive an immediate grant to my petition.

SHOWDOWN PRAYER

Often we pray week after week and sometimes year after year about a certain thing. There are some things that we feel we should pray about repeatedly. However, there comes a time when our heart cries out to God in desperate terms for some indication of action on His part. I call this "praying at the crossroads." Elijah was at a crossroads in his ministry. Israel was at a crossroads as a nation. King Ahab and the notorious Queen Jezebel were determined to wipe out all worship of the true God Jehovah. Something had to be done! There must be a showdown; either Jehovah or Baal was God. The only prophet God had left in the kingdom was Elijah.

Elijah was one of the most colorful of all Israel's prophets. He suffered bouts of depression and self-doubt like many of us, but during times of crisis he was a courageous, faithful prophet of God. The Mount Carmel show down is high in drama and can best be received by reading the entire 18th chapter of I Kings.

THE URGENT MODE

Perhaps you are as I was recently in the "urgent mode" of prayer. I prayed, "God something has to be done! It's time for a showdown in this matter." Hearing such words coming out of my mouth I felt somewhat ashamed that I would speak to God in such a manner. However, He immediately honored my urgent request.

(W. Clyde Martin is editor of THE PRAYER LIFE, a monthly online magazine that promotes closet praying among the redeemed. You may contact him by e-mail (wclydemartin@webtv.net)