PRAYER!

This picture was taken somewhere on an island off the western coast of Scotland some months ago. In the middle of nowhere. With a storm brewing in the air, foreboding, inky clouds spelling doom. No, I wasn’t in any trouble; the depiction of a deserted phone booth deposited in a desolated domain drew my attention. And, yes, the telephone worked! There was a dial-tone. Not a soul in sight, not a house anywhere around. Lightning on the horizon, thunder rumbling in the skies. But there was a dial-tone in that companionable carmine curbside cubicle with a connection to the outside. The comfortable sound of a link to the beyond.

So it is also for the Christian, one who has placed his or her trust in Christ as Savior. We too have a link to a source of strength and succor in times of stress and strain.

For we do not have a high priest
who cannot sympathize
with our weaknesses,
but One who has been tempted
in all things as we are,
yet without sin.
Therefore let us draw near
with confidence
to the throne of grace,
so that we may receive mercy
and find grace to help
in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15–16

There is always a line open. Jesus Christ, through whom alone we come to the Father.

For there is one God,
and one mediator also
between God and men,
the human Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5

This God, our God, is with us and for us—“Immanuel”. And …

If God is for us, who is against us?
Romans 8:31

This God, our Lord Jesus Christ, too, underwent the rigors of humanity and satanic trials, as he partook of our own human nature, finally, tasting death for us.

For since He Himself
was tempted
in that which He has suffered,
He is able to come to the aid
of those who are tempted.
Hebrews 2:18

An accessible line with an ever-present dial-tone.

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Joseph Scriven, 1855

Through Christ, we are to pray. For times are troubled. Days dreary. Warfare on the way. Pray often.

The end of all things is near;
therefore, be of sound judgment
and sober spirit
for the purpose of prayer.
1 Peter 4:7

Only His peace can sustain us in these dreary days. And that peace, amidst the pressures of daily life, is channeled by prayer.

Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything
by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests
be made known to God.
And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–7

Indeed, if incarnate God, Jesus Christ, Himself, had to pray, how much more we?

… He [Jesus] went off
to the mountain to pray,
and He spent the whole night
in prayer to God.
Luke 6:12

Let us follow His example.

Devote yourselves to prayer,
keeping alert in it
with an attitude of thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2