| The Power of a Praying Commander
by Jerry Parks
Revised and reprinted with permission from original author, LeRoy R. Bartel.
Prayer must be a habit in the life of a Royal Rangers' commander. It begins with a constant awareness of God. The praying person demonstrates a grateful spirit and is enveloped in a continual attitude of praise. Prayer is the first act of every morning and the last thing before slipping off to sleep at night (Psalm 92:1,2). A "spirit of prayer" is the context for the Royal Rangers ministry (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Commanders who have teaching impact show the following attributes in their praying:
- Their prayers show evidence of preparation.
Attitudes and practices prepare the heart for effective prayer. First is the awareness of God's presence, the indispensable prelude to powerful prayer. Reverence captivates the mind and heart when one becomes aware of who God really is (Psalm 46:10). Praise, worship, and thanksgiving provide a dynamic atmosphere for prayer (Psalm 100).
- Their prayers are personal.
Powerful prayer flows out of a personal relationship with the living God. It focuses on a Person and is expressed in sincerity of heart. Prayer is talking to the Father and ought to reflect the reality of that relationship (Matthew 6:5-13).
- Their prayers are positive.
Dynamic praying expresses faith. The confidence that God cares, that God is able, and that God is willing and will act permeates the praying of an effective commander (Hebrews 11:6; Mark 11:22-24; Matthew 7:9-11).
- Their prayers are powerful.
Fervency and conviction in prayer are natural by-products of a vital relationship with God (Acts 12:5). The last thing on earth Ranger boys need to hear is their commander praying in boring, listless monotone.
- Their praying is pervasive and perpetual.
Reading the Book of Acts or reviewing the history of the Pentecostal church reveals a common trait-believers prayed about everything. Scripture admonishes us to do the same (Philippians 4:6,7).
- Their prayer is persistent.
These people just do not give up! They are not trying to overcome God's reluctance. Rather they know how to lay hold of His willingness. This is the attitude Jesus commended in the Parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8; Matthew 7:7,8). Such prayer does not display a lack of faith; rather it expresses strength of trust in God.
- Their praying is purposeful.
Ranger commanders should determine to accomplish something when they pray. Prayer must never simply become "putting in time." Jesus rebuked that attitude and assured His disciples that they had the ear and concern of a loving Father (Matthew 6:7,8).
- Their praying is Holy Spirit-assisted.
One of the greatest joys for a Pentecostal believer is the awareness of the role that the Holy Spirit plays in prayer. The Holy Spirit helps us express our love and praise to God (1 Corinthians 14:2, 14-19; Acts 2:7-11). He also prays through us when we do not know how to pray. He will groan intercession through us in keeping with God's will (Romans 8:26,27).
The Royal Rangers commander cannot hope to be successful by eternal standards without prayer. Prayer is the lifeline, the channel of divine power. It is something commanders do because they cannot do without it. They will allow nothing to push prayer out of their lives.
Effective commanders teach their boys to pray with more than their words. They teach them to pray with their praying.
- Jesus prayed all night (Luke 6:12;Mark 6:45-48).
- He prayed every morning, after exhausting hours of ministry the previous day (Mark 1:35).
- He prayed to prepare for all the crises and significant events of His ministry (Luke 3:21,22; 9:18-22; Mark 1:35-39; Matthew 14:23).
- He prayed to prepare himself for the temptation He saw approaching (Luke 22:39-45).
- He prayed about the ordinary matters of daily life (Matthew 14:19; Luke 24:30,31).
- He prayed standing (John 17:1; 11:41,42), kneeling (Luke 22:41), and lying on His face (Matthew 26:39).
- The last utterance of Jesus' earthly life was a prayer (Luke 23: 34, 46).
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