February 2002

Pray Without Ceasing

By Germaine Copeland

Violence erupts in places where we once felt safe, and momentarily we slow down and re-examine our priorities. We pray for one another, for God’s protection, and attend our places of worship. Gradually, the circumstances – the vivid scenes fade – we let go of our sorrow and return to our old habits and to the “normal” way of living.

Only a short time ago we watched the attack on America with horror and disbelief. We became a vulnerable people aware of our need for a God of Power and Might. For several weeks we were kinder, gentler with one another. Our nation experienced a needed revival of patriotism, and flags were seen everywhere declaring freedom for mankind, and flags continue to be seen.

A call to pray was heard – if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Prayer became a top priority and was reflected in our countenances – we actually acknowledged strangers with genuine smiles. Are the people of God continuing to pray, or are we returning to our “normal” busyness – too busy to pray – forgetting that God is our Salvation?

In Luke 18 Jesus said that we ought always to pray and not turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up). If our prayer life is only directed by temporal circumstances, we will fail to understand the eternal purposes of God and our enthusiasm to pray will weaken. As God’s fellow workmen, it is imperative that we look…at the things, which are not seen: for the things, which are seen are temporal; but the things, which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). If we pray because we love God and know that we are called according to His design and purpose, we can rest, assured that all things work together and are fitting into a plan for good (Romans 8:28).

We turn our attention to the Holy Spirit who was sent to help us pray when we don’t know how. As we wait submitted before His presence in quiet meditation, He will show us things to come and reveal divine secrets that enable us trust the God of our Salvation. Once again “in God we trust” becomes more than a slogan – it becomes truth.

Praying for our Nation according to the will of God assures us that He will hear us, and we will have the petitions that we desire of Him. We ask God to compass the president about with men and women who make their hearts and ears attentive to godly counsel and do that, which is right in the sight of God. We pray that the upright shall dwell in our government.

Prayer offered in faith releases the power, wisdom, mercy and grace necessary for our leaders to handle situations correctly. With humility we ask God to forgive us for the wrongs we have committed and turn from our evil ways, He will fulfill His promise to heal our land. A praying nation is a blessed nation where the citizens go quietly about the business of living simply, in humble contemplation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12).

If you find yourself too busy to pray, don’t waste time berating yourself, repent for your prayerlessness, receive your forgiveness and worship the Father. If you simply don’t want to pray, tell Him how you feel and ask Him to draw you to the place of prayer. Jesus, our High Priest, understands our weaknesses, and He intercedes for us praying that our faith will not fail.

It is unwise for us to become complacent during comfortable times, and forget what our God has done, the wonders he has shown us (Psalm 78:11). Prayer opens the skylight of the soul to that which is spiritual and from above. The prayer of thanksgiving and praise brings us into a deeper and more intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. Prayer changes us, and prepares us for uncertain circumstances in life. Be happy in your faith and rejoice…be unceasing in prayer…thank God in everything [no matter what the circumstances]…for this is the will of God for you…. Our families, our communities and the nations will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord! Purpose to pray prayers that avail much!


Germaine Copeland is the author of the best selling book series, Prayers That Avail Much. She has written scriptural prayers for the family. Read your Bible, pray and attend church where you can soak up the love and faith of God. You will receive emotional healing, experience spiritual growth and become more intimately acquainted with your Heavenly Father, and your relationships will grow stronger.

Continue to pray the Prayers of Commitment from Germaine’s Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition and ask to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.