A Time Not To Pray

The writer of Ecclesiastes states this. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3: 1. He also provides us with a very instructive list. Nevertheless, although prayer is not specifically named, we can see that even prayer is included, as we are advised on the fact that there is, a time to be silent and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3: 7b.

We will spend our last two days of October, receiving and being refreshed with some extremely sensitive and seriously needed lessons about prayer. We are stationed in the Old Testament, with some of God’s praying leaders. Today, there are two lessons to be received.

We start with Joshua, from whom we will learn our first lesson. Joshua and all Israel are very distraught because of what’s happening to them. As leader, Joshua does what is the perfect and right thing to do. He leads them in sincere and serious prayer. Here is their picture. Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell face down to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. Joshua 7: 6. Joshua pleads his sad heart out with God in prayer, when God, speaking sharply and firmly, tells him to get up from praying. Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Joshua 7: 10b.

The first lesson for us is that even prayer must be our directed response. This is indeed a crisis situation for Joshua and God’s people. They are totally taken down, afraid, discouraged and deflated because of what they have just experienced. They will become the laughing stock of the enemy, who will see them as totally deceived by their Sovereign God. However, the Lord is not interested in their prayers; in fact, it is not the time for praying to Him. The response God desires from His servant Joshua, is that he gets working on and rectifying the grave problem among them.

Holy Spirit, teach me and guide me into this truth, that my praying must be my response, directed by You and not by my situation. Amen!

Our second lesson comes from viewing Saul. Saul and all Israel are in crisis. God’s army is now weaponless, for only Saul and Jonathan, his son, have swords. The intimidating Philistine camp is nearby and Saul, his weaponless men, priest Ahijah who is wearing an ephod and the ark of God, are all together. Saul’s lookouts have been giving updates on the movements of the enemy, for they have been closely watching their every move. The lookouts send word to Saul that the Philistine army is melting away in all directions. 1 Samuel 14: 16b. With the movement of the enemy, Saul decides to gather his men and do a count. It’s discovered that Jonathan and his armour-bearer are missing. Saul immediately calls Ahijah, the priest in their midst, to bring the ark of God, for prayer to take place. It is the first thing to be done, before any action. They ought to seek the advice of God. While Saul is with the priest who begins his praying, the noise from the enemy becomes overpowering. It gets louder and louder, in so much so, Saul stops the prayer. He tells the priest, Withdraw your hand. 1 Samuel 14: 19b.

The second lesson for you is that prayer must be your dictated response. This is indeed a crucial situation and Saul commissions the priest to pray. However, it is not the time for praying, but for joining God in the work He is doing. Yes, God wants the army assembled, but not for prayer. He wants them to go out and fight, for He has already prepared the victory path for weaponless men to know victory, over an army well-armed with weapons.

Are you facing a crucial time, a crisis time? Is prayer the response God desires of you, or does He want you to get up and do something? Remember, He already has it all worked out. Just follow His walk.