How devoted am I to prayer?

2 years ago, shortly after we arrived in country, Matt wrote a blog briefly describing Ramazan and an experience he had with a new friend. (click here to read) I would love to report that the friend has become a Believer or that any one of our new friends has come to faith; however, that is not the case. Is it heartbreaking? YES, of course! We have grown to love our new "family" and friends. We desperately desire for them to walk in truth. However, we are choosing not to be discouraged. We know that God is working. It has been a blessing to be serving alongside a local fellowship of Believers in our current city. Their testimonies are a treasure to behold and hearing each one has grown us and strengthened our hearts for this work. If I had to sum up what most "MBBs" would share as their one "life-line" on how they survive as a persecuted individual; their main thing that drew them to faith; their one thing that they depend on each day; their advice to all believers...it would be the importance and the power of prayer!! We have available to us 24/7 the ear of the Almighty and HIS Son sitting beside him making petitions on our behalf!! HOW POWERFUL IS THAT!! I am ashamed that I do not spend more time just sitting at the feet of the Father talking, praising and standing in the gap for others. Many MBBs still do two things that I think are great "habits" to help them in the area of prayer. The first one is continuing to pray during the 5 daily "calls to prayer". I am not talking about the memorized prayers. I mean that they use the sound of the minaret as a reminder to stop what they are doing and spend time connecting with the Lord. When we first moved overseas getting use to the new sounds took some doing. However, it was Grace that decided she liked the "music" and was going to pray along. We were a little shocked at first, but decided she was right. We didn't know a word of the local language, so of what other use could we be for HIS work, but to pray. (and of course, as it turns out, prayer is still the best and most effective work!!) I think that the churches in Christian countries need to consider going back to playing music from their steeples. This is a great daily reminder. Perhaps when we are back in the States we will set a clock to chime just to stay in the habit!! The second thing that some MBBs still do is carry their "prayer beads". Much like many other religions in the world, the beads are used to remind a person of prayers or other things of importance. When I was a kid the popular thing at camps, VBSs, etc. was to make the bracelets of colored beads that symbolized "the plan of salvation". We wore them as a reminder to share the good news. In recent years, many people have been wearing rubber bracelets. The colors remind them of things of importance....cancer awareness, remembering the military, save the rainforest, etc.! Many also wear items asking WWJD? and/or post stickers all over their cars, refrigerators and mirrors....all in an effort to help them keep their priorities in line. (at least that is what I am choosing to believe!) When we were leaving to begin this journey, our pastor gave Matt and I each very special Saint Christopher medals. They are a powerful reminder to us of the importance of the Great Commission. I guess that it really doesn't matter if you are carrying special beads, wearing cross or a medal, sporting handmade beads/colored bracelets, or leaving yourself stickers & notes. What matters is that we are strategical in devoting ourselves to prayer and the work of the Lord. So I guess this blog leads me back to my original question...How devoted am I to prayer? Do I have focused times each day, each week, each month or each year to fast and pray? If not, what do I need to do right now to make prayer a priority?
Prayerfully growing in Him....AT