During the season of Lent, it is almost fashionable to "give up" something. Admittedly, there is a place for this type of sacrifice if it is done as a genuine desire to draw closer to the power of God. However, there is a far more important step that every Christian should endeavor to take during Lent, and that is the step of a deeper, more sustained prayer life. The blessings of taking on a deeper commitment to prayer are invaluable. In sincere prayer, there is both profound promise and blessed assurance. Sincere heartfelt prayer brings down the mercy and the deliverance of our God.

As children of God, we must foster the spirit of prayer. Deep and extended prayer cuts away our selfish desires for prominence and it weeds out our weaknesses. Prayer also supplies us with strength and it enables us to rise above our own will so that we are able to say, "nevertheless not my will, but thing, be done."

In this world we will be tossed to and fro on the restless sea of life, but prayer will bring down the peace of our God. Every now and then, the vicissitudes of life will make us lose our way, but prayer clarifies God's purpose for our lives. As we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we will get weak and weary, but prayer brings down the power of God from on high.

Prayer will not keep you from trouble, but it will bring you through trouble. Prayer may not keep the deep waters of despair from rising all around you, but prayer will enable you to go through the rivers of recession, oppression and depression, so that the waters will not overflow you. So, don't throw your hands up in despair, but fall on your knees in prayer and thank God anyhow for "going though power"!

Rev. Clarence W. Davis is pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A frequent contributor to BlackandChristian.com, Davis earned a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology degree from Harvard Divinity School. The opinions expressed are those of the author and are used by permission.