The Unceasing Call to Prayer

When are we supposed to stop praying? Consider the moment when Moses stood at the edge of the Red Sea, with the entire nation of Israelites—God's chosen people—looking to him for guidance and direction. The challenge of that moment was compounded by the fact that Pharaoh and the full force of the Egyptian army were advancing toward them. In response, Moses did what many of us would do: he prayed. Yet, as we read in Exodus 14:15, the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on."

As Christians, we understand the importance of prayer and strive to practice it daily. Events like Moses's experience remind us that there are times when we, too, need to "move on" and fulfill the tasks God has set before us. However, until He provides direction or prompts us to take action, we must continue to pray.

I do not consider myself the Prayer Warrior I should be, nor do I spend as much time in prayer as I would like. Nevertheless, I utilize what I call "Prayer Cards." These are simply blank index cards, each featuring a name, and they rest on my desk in my study. Some days, the cards remain untouched; other times, I glance at them and offer a brief prayer for those named. Occasionally, I will pick up the stack and pray specifically for each individual. Some names have been on my cards for years, while others are recent additions. Some of those I pray for I have never met, while others I know well. For example, one card bears the name of the first person I ever witnessed to in Spanish while living in Costa Rica. After I shared my message in my struggling Spanish, he said he would think about it. I do not know his last name or his current status, but I continue to pray that, somehow, the Spirit of the Living God has touched his heart, and that we will meet again in the not-too-distant future, rejoicing in the splendor of Heaven. The only time I remove a Prayer Card is when the individual has passed away; otherwise, I continue to pray.

Like Job and Mother Teresa, we may find ourselves in times of uncertainty, feeling that our prayers go unanswered. Yet, during these moments, we must persist in prayer and continue to act according to His will. David expressed this struggle in Psalm 13:1: "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" David felt alone and unheard, but he also affirmed in verse 5, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation."

So please, keep praying.