Wrestling in Prayer - 10th Feb 2008

Based on 1 Kings 18 v 41-46 and James 5 v 13-18


Good morning… how is every one this morning?
This morning we are looking at ‘wrestling in prayer’ - a title that assumes from the outset that we are already praying. Whether you are praying all the time or not, or that you just pray when you feel you need it the most, I am almost certain that something happens when we pray.

As James is writing his letter, he leaves behind a lot of instructions, guidance points, and ties it in with an example of a story that the Jewish people in the congregation would understand. He uses Elijah as a reference point, almost telling the story as if it were legend or fairy tale. But he knows that the people who are hearing this letter either know the story or will lean to a person near them and ask ‘what’s he talking about’.

So what was he talking about?? James’ instructions answer three questions I think we all have about prayer. When should we pray? How should we pray? And Why should we pray?

With James’ help I’m going to try and answer these questions and put them into a language we’ll understand.

When should we pray?

Pray in all circumstances. It’s not only James’ that says this in verses 13-14, but it happens that there are 365 mentions of prayer or prayed in the bible (NIV). 1 Thessalonians 5 v 17 say’s ’pray all the time’. Throughout history people are praying, keep it up!

How should we pray?

James is speaking to church as he knows it, he’s suggesting the ideal way to pray in the context of church. If you are in trouble or happy it seems that you are on your own! But if you are sick, you can tag-team it. Which reminds me of WWF wrestling when I was about ten, if a wrestler was hurt they could tag their team mates to take over. Good tag teaming creates a winning situation.

It’s all there, but I want to pick up on one thing I think that is important. Tag teaming involves strategic planning, talking to each other. Find a group you can team with and “confess your sins to one another”. As much as the Holy Spirit can give us hints as to what to pray, there’s nothing like good old fashion talking it out to help clear up any issues.

Elijah petitioned with God about the rain, he kept praying. We live in an instant society where we have phones we can carry and wireless internet. There is no patience for God. We are supposed to be different to society, requesting, petitioning and staying on God’s case isn’t a bad thing. We have to expect the unexpected when dealing with God, and in today’s society patience is unexpected.

Why should we pray?

Simply because things happen when we do. We have to be willing to fight to see the results. Wrestling is an active word, there is nothing passive about prayer. We have to enter into prayer, an attitude, we are called to pray. References to prayer include doing words, adjectives.

Prayer is powerful, Elijah knows that. And that power is available to us wherever we are.

One question James didn’t answer how can I stop sounding like a Muppet when I pray out loud?
I think this is something I can help with. Use words you know how to use, there is nothing worse than a person who shows off in prayer, Jesus, Matthew 6. Also don’t be afraid to keep your eyes open to see what’s going on, or keep you more focussed. I know I’m not the only one in the room who falls asleep during prayer.

So that is what we are going to do…
Can you please get into small groups, and if you have children and young people around you make sure that they get to pray.

Gather round those who aren’t well, pray for the things you need prayer for. Make sure you share before you pray.

And when we come back together we are going to pray how Jesus taught us.