An Investment in Prayer

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)

According to CNBC’s calculations, “A $1,000 investment in Microsoft on the day of its initial public offering (IPO), March 13, 1986, would be worth more than $1.6 million today.” That is a staggering return on that $1,000 investment! Yet it is minuscule compared to the return believers receive from making an investment in prayer.

People pray because they believe a loving and powerful God is listening. They Pray in response to the invitation of God to make an investment in His kingdom economy. An affirmative response to this invitation has a direct impact on the quality of life we experience and the spiritual strength we develop.

In today’s text, God appears to Solomon in response to Solomon’s prayer of dedication to the temple. Solomon and the people of Israel had invested many resources to build the temple. They were amid a season of prosperity. Yet the most important investment Solomon made was an investment in prayer. God responded to that investment in prayer and gave the King a fresh revelation of Himself. During that appearance, God promised the Israelites that if they invest in prayer, he will forgive their sin and heal their land from diseases, attacks of their enemies, or famine.

Consequently, Solomon was one of the richest Kings who ever lived. His kingdom extended far beyond that of his father David. During his reign, the people of Israel enjoyed great prosperity. All because Solomon made an investment in prayer.

If more people were to understand that praying is an investment in God’s kingdom economy, they would pray more often and more earnestly. Unfortunately, many people think praying to God is a waste of time and energy. However, true believers of Jesus Christ know about the benefits of prayer. We know God moves in response to our prayers, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Whereas parents should invest in the future of their children, they should also make an investment in prayer for their children. I am who I am today because my mother made an investment in prayer for her children. Now it’s my turn to make an investment in prayer for my children. I pray with them whenever possible; however, I pray for them every day. I am even investing in prayer for the second and third generations of Josephs.

Without an investment in prayer, we will experience spiritual bankruptcy. That means, having a form of godliness but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). The believer who does not invest in prayer may be religious but cannot have a relationship of loving union with God because the Lord operates through prayer. Prayer is the grease that lubricates the wheel of God’s divine favor. Without prayer, the land will not be healed, and the devil will rob us of the promises of God. Thus, Paul reminds us in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to let our request be known to God (Philippians 4:6).

Let us continue to invest in prayer for the sake of our children. As we continue to struggle with this pandemic, men and women of God should continue to invest in prayer so that God can heal the land. Because of the increasing number of divorces among believers, godly husbands and wives should invest in prayer for their marriage and the marriages of others. We should invest in prayer for local churches because of the growing number of believers who are leaving the church. Let us also invest in prayer for this country so God can bring an end to the divisiveness that is destroying our fragile democracy.

Questions for Personal Reflection

How would you describe your investment in prayer?

What benefits have your investment in prayer yielded?

Prayer- Holy God, please teach me how to be more fervent and intentional in investing in prayer. May I learn to prioritize investment in prayer over all other investments? Give me the discipline and the faith to seek your face in every situation so that I may experience your divine favor and live a life that is pleasing in your sight.