Costly Praying

Leonard Ravenhill says one old interpretation of the following verse explains why there was weeping when the early farmers sowed seed.

“Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them” (Psalm 126:20).

Planting the seed was a sacrifice for some of the farmers. While the husband would be sowing, his tearful wife would be following him through the field begging him not to sow so much of their precious seed. She knew they had very little seed to last them until the harvest and they would “feel the pinch” of this planting.

This verse describes the costly prayer that accompanies fruitful witnessing. Intercessory prayer costs us time; we must sacrifice some things that seem important or that we prefer to do. It costs us emotional energy as we allow the Spirit to help us feel His burden for the lost.

Some weeks ago, I asked the Lord to help me pray as Paul wrote in Colossians 4:2: “Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” I wrote what it seemed He was saying, and I often keep the note where I can see it when I pray.

“Don’t just go through a ritual. Be earnest and I will quickly respond. I always hear and answer those who cry out in earnest. Be sincere and trust Me to come and fulfill your heart’s desire. I will not forsake you. Be desperate. I will answer.”

Paul wrote to the Colossians that Epaphras was always wrestling in prayer for them. (4:12) The Greek word for wrestling is agōnizomai—or agonize in English.

The promise for such praying is certain. We “will return with songs of joy.” If we obey God’s laws of harvest—sowing precious seed and weeping—we will indeed return rejoicing!

Dear Jesus, teach us to pray with sincerity and earnest desire.

“During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears” (Heb. 5:7).