Advocating for life is exciting! There are so many things to do and so many opportunities to do them. Sometimes, though, the sheer number of opportunities can be overwhelming.
There are opportunities to lobby for just legislation. There are a multitude of organizations to support. There are opportunities to march for life, hold vigils, hand out materials, participate in baby bottle drives, attend fundraisers, adopt, foster, and volunteer. The list of opportunities goes on and on. Sometimes we feel our own limits. With so much to do, how will we ever have enough money, time, or emotional capacity? All of us live within limits in all these areas. Some of us have been blessed and can give. Others have time. Others have medical skills. Others can counsel. We do not all have the same gifts. But there is one thing that each of us, without exception, can do. Pray. In fact, that is the one thing above all others that we MUST do!
This work is sometimes described as a fight for life. It is a spiritual battle against the forces of evil marching under the banner of death. Ephesians 6 begs us to take up the armor of God in this spiritual battle. We need the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the battle boots of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. But the Bible then says something surprising about our posture in conflict. We fight this battle on our knees.
Ephesians 6:18 says, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” In just one verse, the Bible talks about prayer and supplication four times!
So why is a posture of prayer essential for this fight? I would like to suggest at least two reasons, although, of course, there are more.
- The posture of prayer reminds us of our dependence.
With so many things to do, we might be tempted to think that we can get it done. If we just volunteer enough hours, raise enough money, or support the right candidates, we will succeed. All those things are important. But a posture of prayer reminds us that no matter how much we do, we are in desperate need of God’s power to get anything done.
- The posture of prayer reminds us of our true Enemy.
When we pray, we are reminded that the ultimate struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). Our activities have to do with things that are tangible – things that can be touched, organized, counted, quantified. We sit across from people who might be considering a devastating choice. Prayer reminds us that our ultimate Enemy is spiritual, the cosmic powers of this present darkness. It helps us be like Jesus who had compassion on the multitude, sins and all. It guards us from self-righteousness in our own hearts and frees us to love.
In all the activity of this battle, let us not forget the posture of prayer. Praying is the one thing we can all do. Praying is the one thing we must do.
Pastor Matt Owen, Community Bible Church of Orange Park
Learn more about Community Bible Church of Orange Park at cbcorangepark.com