Therefore, upon returning from prayer, those appetites of the body and soul previously held at bay may redouble their instincts and efforts and catch the emerging petitioner off guard, instantly returning him or her to the flesh. It is not uncommon that when the spirit has been strengthened from prayer, the body may be weakened, and then when again called upon to function, may overcome (with its desires) the spirit if it has not been adequately prepared and forewarned. (Mk.14:38) Watch ye and pray that you be not overtaken, Jesus instructed (Lk.18:1). Usually, when this happens, one has prematurely exited the avenue of prayer. Could this be a reason why Paul also admonishes us to pray without ceasing. (I Thes.5:17) To avoid this pitfall, one should: (1) continue in prayer as long as the spirit is prompting, not rushing through to conclusion out of hurried duty, and (2) immediately engage in service upon exiting from prayer, not allowing the body to remain idle, giving opportunity for its lusts and needs to seize control.
- THIS IS PRAYER!
- And The Key To Walking In The Spirit! And Praying As Often As Needed For The Spirit To Remain In Control. A Life Lived Moment To Moment In A Spirit Of Prayer Is One Constantly Walking In The Spirit And Not The Flesh. (Rom.8:5-6)
- AND SO PRAY:
- "Father, may my life be so lived in your Spirit that all my thoughts, as well as my actions, be brought under your submission." (II Co.10:2-5)