“PRAYER: A Mother’s Godly Influence.”
In my earliest conscious memory as a child, my first introduction to prayer came from my mother. From that point she became a main source of Godly influence, even unto adulthood, as a strong foundation of prayer was laid in my life, as she led by example. Basically, nearly every day present I heard her pray and observed her read the Bible. She became a role model, as she advocated prayer and instilled Biblically principles and morals to all in our home, for which I remain grateful. Godly influence in prayer, and in general, is a very important attribute in impacting the lives of others. Even II Timothy 1:1-5 relays how such an impact can be far reaching. “… I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day … When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”
Being a Godly influence denotes helping others to greater comprehend the knowledge of Jesus and His Word, and to make righteous choices. As we decide that prayer is an important factor that shapes our values and we example it as a lifestyle, then others too will be positively influenced and impacted by this Biblical practice. I have heard the expression that sometimes “more is learned from what is caught than taught” When we pattern our life after Christ and His example of prayer, we can effectively have Godly influence upon others. Are you consistently exampling a lifestyle of personal prayer? Are you continually involved in corporate prayer? Are you influencing others to pray through your evidential commitment?
I am reminded of a phrase I often hear my mother quote “If Jesus had to pray, what about us? What about us?” This is so true. Jesus prayed and He impacted those around him. The disciples prayed and likewise they influenced others to be partakers. So did the early Christians, as recounted in the Book of Acts. Below are excerpts from a presentation shared at a church on prayer by my mother (Willie Mae Stephens) including scriptural references supporting how Biblical characters had Godly influence upon those around them.
““If Jesus had to pray, then what about us? What about us?” Here we see “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee…tarry ye here, and watch with me…And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed…Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed…thy will be done” (Matthew 26:36-42). Also, “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). Even Jesus had an “all night” prayer meeting! Jesus said that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).
Paul told the Thessalonians to “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). Also “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25). “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer” (Acts 3:1). Even some disciples were prayer partners! There is great power when we all join together in prayer. “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). Let us pray; pouring out our heart and soul to Him, calling unto God and beseeching Him! Seek His face evermore. Pray, for it matters not where, God is there!”
A minister coined the powerful phrase “The course of thy life will speak more for thee than the discourse of thy lips.” So, regarding prayer and your lifestyle of prayer, my question to you is now, are you a Godly influence in the lives of others?
Flo Shaw
Director
World Network of Prayer
( Info from World Network of Prayer – Prayer connect Newsletter – wnopadmins@upci.org )