There are dire consequences for neglecting to pray. The Word says, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).
I know what it’s like to have the well of living water choked at the spring, drying up every blessing in my life. This happened to me during my periods of carelessness about prayer. During those periods, I had quiet times but no effectual fervency in prayer. I let the cares of life rob me of my time with the Lord.
What happened to me in those times? Servanthood turned to self-pity, and ministry seemed like a burden rather than a blessing. Misery upon misery flooded my soul. I battled loneliness, weariness, unbelief, and a troubling sense of having accomplished little in life plagued me. Amidst thoughts of quitting the ministry, God’s blessings were hindered, relationships soured, and discernment vanished to the point that fresh revelations of Christ no longer came.
Yet I also knew the glory of returning to be with the Lord in prayer. As soon as I returned to my prayer closet, the blessings began flowing again. Joy and peace enveloped me, relationships were healed, and God’s Word came to life.
Scripture makes it clear that praying servants find blessing and rest on every side:
[Uzziah] sought God in the days of Zechariah . . . and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:5).
“We have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side” (2 Chronicles 14:7).
“All Judah . . . sought Him with all their soul; and He was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around” (2 Chronicles 15:15).
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:17-18).