Living Prepared
In last month’s lesson, Prepare for Prayer, we looked at how important it is for our minds and born-again spirits to be in agreement before we begin to pray and intercede for others. Verses were offered for contemplation, which can help increase the level of intimacy with the Lord, as well as the effectiveness of our prayer, all on a more consistent basis. In this lesson, we will explore a different, yet interconnected part of being prepared for prayer – that is, living prepared.
As an example of living prepared, we look to the story of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. These virgins were waiting for the bridegroom, though none of them knew exactly when he would come. During the waiting process, which was longer than any of them had expected, the five wise virgins purchased enough oil for their lamps so they would be ready whenever the bridegroom returned, day or night. They lived prepared. The five foolish virgins, however, only considered what they needed when the moment was upon them, and it was too late then. The moment required something they could have had but didn’t, because they didn’t live prepared.
Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV “15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
1 Peter 1:13-15 NIV “13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do . . .”
What does it mean to live prepared to pray? According to the above verses, we are to live wisely, be self-controlled, be holy in all we do, and make the most of every opportunity. When we live this way, regardless of where we are, the situation, or even what we have been doing just before, we will be ready to pray at the very moment it is needed. We won’t have to find a place to “fill up our oil jars” to be able to pour out exactly what is needed in prayer. We fill up on the Word and Spirit during the waiting process – during the normal, routine days, for however long it takes.
In practicality, how can we live prepared to pray? After all, there are so many things to walk out in this Christian life. Remember that we live by faith, not by works, and that faith only works by love (Galatians 5:6); so, we must live in God’s love to live by faith. Further, it is the prayer of faith that is effective (James 5:15). Our prayers avail nothing if we are not living in His love; thus, it is the love walk – the walking out of God’s love in us – that enables us to live prepared – wisely, with self-control, in holiness, and making the most of every opportunity.
Matthew 22:37-40 “37 Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Because we can only love in this way by reason of God first loving us, my prayer for you is to receive a fresh experience of your heavenly Father’s love as you read the following passage. This really is how God loves you. Read it. Believe it! The more you receive of His amazing love, the more it will flow through you in a love walk that allows you to liveprepared.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (Amplified) “4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. . .”
© Copyright 2009 Kay V. Stocking
