When is a bad time to eat cake? We celebrated Ruth’s birthday on Monday, with cake and presents, even though her actual birthday was Tuesday. Tuesday’s are busy for us so it made sense, even though we still enjoyed leftover cake on Tuesday.
There’s no bad day for eating cake. However, there is something special about eating cake on your birthday. There’s no bad day for prayer. However, there is something special about recognize an answer to a specific prayer. I have mentioned the profound account of Isaac’s prayer on numerous occasions when I teach on spiritual disciplines. But Isaac’s story teaches us of the need for daily, regular prayer, as well as extravagant, spontaneous prayer.
Genesis 25:20 gives us the age of Isaac as 40 years old when he begins praying for Rebekah, his wife, because she is unable to have children (Gen. 25:21). The story then explains how the Lord granted his prayer, with details of Jacob and Esau (Gen. 25:22–26). The conclusion of this birth account gives a powerful but seemingly hidden insight: Isaac was 60 years old when the children finally arrived (Gen. 25:26).
We are called to daily prayer even when what we pray about continues in our hearts for 20 years. Prayer does not cease to be a miraculous gift from God, by His infinite mercy, even when it is exercised day after day. When the day of answer comes, pray even more fervently, that the Lord has demonstrated what is already true—He hears and is gracious with His people daily. There is no bad day for prayer in the merciful name of Jesus Christ!
What are you praying about this week? How is the Lord teaching you through the daily prayers you bring before His presence?
Pastor Chris
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