As I write this, I have recently finished the book Lead with Prayer. This book has both challenged me and equipped me to pray better and see the value of prayer.
Gary Haugen, CEO of International Justice Mission, teaches that prayer matters. By this, he means that it has both value in our lives (like our car, home, or job) and makes a difference (like sunscreen at the beach). Prayer matters because not only is it incredible that we get access to the Supreme Being of the Universe, but when we pray, it actually influences the outcomes of situations. Because God is real and prayers are heard, prayers make a difference in the world.
After reading this book, I was challenged by this question: What investment do I make in prayer?
Do I invest time, or do I give whatever is left over?
Do I invest money (buy books, journals, or pens), or do I use whatever is lying around?
Do I invest space (create a designated space in my home or office that is conducive to prayer), or do I endure distracting places?
An investment costs something on the front end with the expectation that it will be more valuable on the back end. The return is worth the expense.
Is that how you view prayer?
Is prayer worth it?
Does prayer matter?
Does prayer do anything?
If it does, then an investment in prayer makes sense.
What can that look like?
For me, I am considering how much of my day I should invest in prayer. I am willing to study Scripture for 8–10 hours each week, write for 5–6 hours weekly, check email, and do administrative tasks for a considerable amount of time… but what about prayer?
I am also asking what part of our budget should be invested in prayer. Should we create a space for people to come and pray? How can we do better at receiving and praying for requests?
Prayer mustn’t be placed on the back burner, but for many of you (like me), it has been. It is time to move it forward and invest in something that truly matters!
How can you make an investment in prayer?
