My computer dictionary defines fervent as: adjective…having or displaying a passionate intensity: “¢ archaic hot, burning, or glowing. So…given that definition…when you pray, is it ever a fervent prayer?

I’ll confess, up front, that my prayers don’t tend to fit that definition. So, am I praying inefficiently or ineffectually? Maybe sometimes…but I believe we can also pray fervently in a cool, calm “voice”. After all, prayer is our conversation with God. Right? And just like conversations with our fellow human beings we don’t always speak with passionate intensity. Sometimes we just talk.

James, an apostle in the Bible, wrote: “the effective and fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” The apostle Paul’s prayers were filled with thankfulness, confidence, and expectation. He knew in his heart that God would hear and answer. He knew it with calmness AND passion.

I’d like my prayers to be more like Paul’s. He was one man who truly got a new covenant started. His was a message of Grace to anyone who would accept Jesus as savior. But remember…Paul had to be knocked off his donkey, blinded for 3 days, and spoken to directly by Jesus before he changed his persecuting ways. Once his conversion was complete he spent the rest of his days not only praying for the people…but also living out his faith. His fervent prayer became his fervent passion to spread the Word.

My fervent prayer is that I can use my voice for God…all the rest of my days. What’s yours?

Stay tuned”