Prayer - δέησις – Really Praying

δέησις – deēsis
As we pray today, what are we willing to give up? What do I mean, well, let’s examine these occurrences:
1. Zacharias – Luke 1:8-13 – Once in a lifetime opportunity. Time in preparation, prayer, study, fasting. This opportunity was so special, he gave up everything to be prepared.
2. Anna – Luke 2:36-37 – “departed not from the Temple” Loved God so much she gave all her time to the Lord and prayer.
3. Father of son with seizures – Luke 9:37-43. He sought out disciples, then Jesus. His investment included research, time and travel.
4. Cornelius – Acts 10:1-5 – He dedicated life to God, gave money, wanted to please God. He so love the Lord he prayed often and was willing to give up his reputation to admit he believed.
5. Paul – Romans 9:1-4 & 10:1– Cared for his people so much he was willing to give up everything, including his life.

Deēsis is the prayer that includes sacrifice.
All too often in this life we “stop in” to pray. We live a fast paced, hectic lifestyle, and we are not willing to fully stop and commit ourselves to prayer. When you desire something, how often do you spend two or three hours in prayer? How often do you fast? What do you give up for the cause? Do you care enough about loved ones to go out of your way to witness, or do you just share a word or two when it is convenient? (I wonder if that is why some are not saved? What is a life worth?)

Deēsis is often included in a list with other types of prayer – Ac 1:14; Eph 6:18; Phil 4:6; 1 Tim 2:1. We will study these other types of prayers later.

Deēsis in its root form can mean “to bind or fasten with chains;” and “to put under obligation of the law, duty, etc; to be bound to a spouse.”

Deēsis gives way to (James 5:16) fervent prayer. Prayer that is (1 Tim 5:5) day and night. The prayer of (Eph 6:18) perseverance.

Jesus prayed this type of prayer (Lk 22:32); as did Paul for each of the churches he started (Phil. 1:4). They were like his children. We should pray this type of prayer as we pray for the Lost (1 Cor 5:20), and as we pray for VBS workers (Luke 10:2).

The scripture tells us: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."