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Men at Prayer

Prayerless by Degrees

How do we justify our lack of prayer?

Contrasted against the consistent, persistent prayer life we considered in our last installment is the life where prayer is non-existent, or becoming more so.

Edwards addresses such a life where prayer is becoming less and less consistent in Hypocrites Deficient in the Duty of Prayer (Note: For Edwards, “secret prayer” was prayer that we do on our own.) He was an astute observer of men and their tendencies, and he wrote:

“Men … can come to a neglect of secret prayer by degrees without very much shocking their peace. For though indeed for a converted person to live in a great measure without secret prayer, is very wide of the notion they once had of a true convert; yet they find means by degrees to alter their notions, and to bring their principles to suit with their inclinations; and at length they come to that, in their notions of things, that a man may be a convert, and yet live very much in neglect of this duty. In time, they can bring all things to suit well together – an hope of heaven, and an indulgence of sloth in gratifying carnal appetites, and living in a great measure a prayer-less life. They cannot indeed suddenly make these things agree; it must be a work of time; and length of time will affect it. By degrees they find out ways to guard and defend their consciences against those powerful enemies; so that those enemies, and a quiet, secure conscience, can at length dwell pretty well together.” 

This should not be for a true convert, who understands, as Edwards asserts, that our work is not done and we are “poor, empty, helpless” and “in continual need of God’s help.” The modern church, which is self-reliant, living victoriously, and believing themselves to be rich, (I Cor. 4.8), no longer fits this description. Self-engrossed and self-reliant, it sees little need for prayer and floats along this current to spiritual insignificance. 

Churches without vision led by men who do not pray. Not a happy portent, I think you’ll agree.

Brothers, let those of us who are poor, helpless, and empty strive to resist these currents. Let us be vigilant in our prayers and actively praying for our times of prayer that we might be rich in Christ and loyal citizens of and ambassadors for His Kingdom. 

Ralph Lehman, Men’s Prayer Coordinator
T. M. Moore, Principal

Download “Men of the Church: A Solemn Call” for free by clicking this link. Make copies for all the men you know, and urge them to join you in this movement of Men at Prayer. Order your copy of Restore Us! and start your own regular Revival Prayer Group.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Ralph Lehman

Ralph Lehman, JD, CFA, CAIA, is an investment adviser after having spent nine years in a discipleship-focused ministry, Worldwide Discipleship Association, where his ministry focused primarily on college students and inner-city work. Ralph resides in Knoxville, TN with his wife Charlotte and he is a Board member for the Fellowship of the Ailbe.
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