Having a Prayer

When things are really looking bad for someone, it is common to say, "He doesn't have a prayer."  The notion reflects the idea that here isn't anything you are going to be able to do to alter the outcome, not even the last hope of prayer. 

While I appreciate the sentiment of the cliché, it reflects both a poor theology and a weak practical application of faith. To begin with, the avenue of prayer is always available - even in the most desperate of times and despite are most bone-headed mistakes. Jesus was very clear in saying, "I will never leave you as orphans" (Jn 14:18) - He will never turn his back on us. 

Secondly, nothing is beyond the power of God in response to prayer that is not beyond his will for our lives: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us---whatever we ask---we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 Jn 5:14-15).  

Finally, is it is a mistake to save prayer as a last result after we have tried our best or have turned over every other stone.  Jesus started his day in prayer, before he began to face the challenges it would bring, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mk 1:35).

Before He chose his disciples, he prayed (Lk 6:12).  When he faced the temptations of the devil,  he prayed (Matt 4). When he faces the cross, he prayed (Lk 22:41-42). Whatever he faced! he first went to the Father. 

If Jesus felt the need for prayer before challenges, don't you suppose you should to?  If Jesus made prayer the first thing instead of the last, when do think you ought go to the Father?

You always have a prayer. Prayers always get through to Fod. And prayer ought always be first no past. Jus' Sayn.