Print this pageA GREAT SIN OF OMISSION
Elder Wayne Crocker
It is likely that we sin more in failing to do those things the Lord has commanded than in doing the things He has said for us not to do. There are many sins of omission, but I believe one of the greatest is the sin of failing to pray as we ought.
Jesus taught that "men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1). Paul instructs us to "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17). In the next verse, he says ""In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
Notice he did not say to thank God for everything that occurs in life. We don't thank God for wicked works of men and devils.
Neither do we thank God for tragedies that bring heartaches and sufferings. But in every situation, there are many things for which to thank the Lord. Thank Him that things were not worse. Thank Him for never leaving or forsaking His people whatever the circumstances may be. Thank Him that whatever may occur in this life will not keep us from living eternally with Him!"
Obviously Jesus and Paul do" not suggest that a person should spend every moment of every day engaged in prayer. For thereare certain tasks and situations when our total mental and/or physical energy must be devoted to taking care of the problem at hand.
However, we should be in a prayerful attitude, being thank ful to the Lord and realizing our dependence upon Him at all times. Daniel is a good example of how we should pray always without ceasing. He opened his window toward Jerusalem and prayed three times each day (Daniel 6:10). We, too, should have a consistent prayer life. At the very least, we should offer thanks at meals and pray in the morning and at night. In addition, we should say many silent prayers throughout each day.
Not only should we pray for ourselves and those close to us, but we should earnestly pray for God's people in general and specifically when we are acquainted with their needs. It is a sin for us not to pray for the people of God, even when they have sinned. Consider the example of Samuel after Israel had sinned by asking God for a king and by transgressing God's law in other ways: "Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you" (I Samuel 12:23-24). Notice that Samuel not only was determined to pray for these disobedient people, but was just as determined to teach them "the good and the right way."
Sometimes we as church members, as parents, and as ministers may give up on dealing with those that seem bent on going their own way contrary to the clear teachings of the Lord. We shouldn't be too quick to do so. We "ought always to pray and not to faint" (Luke 18:1). Perhaps the main reason why we do not see more spiritual prosperity within the church is the fact that we are not praying as we should. I am guilty. How about you?
By the Lord's help, I am committing to do much better. I cannot say it better than Samuel: "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you." As a pastor, I have started the last few days praying daily for every member of our church and also their families by name. I try to ask the Lord to meet specific needs of which I'm aware. Furthermore, the non-members who attend receive the same attention as the members. "Lord supply the needs of these lambs on the outside of the flock and move them to obey the voice of the Great Shepherd as relayed by the under-shepherds, that they may come into the fold!"
Those who pastor churches with large memberships may not find it practical to mention every individual in prayer each day. But those of us with church memberships of fewer than 50 could probably do so if we make it a priority.
If in addition to pastors praying, the members of the church should start praying for one another and those on the outside, I believe we will see better days. James tells us that "ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not" (James 4:2).
Sometimes we fail to pray because we are afraid that we may ask for something that is not within the will of God. I like the way I have heard many brethren pray down through the years. "Forgive us, Lord, if we have asked amiss, but if we have failed to ask, fail not in granting those things we need." Most certainly, we should not ask for things that we "may consume it upon our lusts" (James 4:3). But I am convinced that when we ask the Lord for anything that will bring honor to Him and promote goodness among His people, He is well pleased.
In addressing many of the churches, Paul mentions that he ùkremembered them in prayer (Philippians 1:4-5; Colossians 1:3; I Thessalonians 1:2). Not only Paul, but all the champions of faith were fervent in prayer. We should try to follow their example and improve our prayer life. Paul taught that we should pray for those in authority over us.
We need to pray for our country, for those representing us in the armed forces, for their families, for those who are sick, for those who are sorrowing, for those who are caught up in worldly and sinful living, etc. We need to pray the prayer of Jabez (I Chronicles 4:10) that more doors may be opened for service to the Lord and His people. Pray for those who are laboring in the service of God, both far and near. Most of all, give thanks to the Lord for His mercy, grace and daily provisions.