I believe that prayer is not enough. I am not saying that one shouldn’t pray, nor am I saying that prayer is not powerful. But prayer is not enough. Prayer is an essential part of my life, and equips me to do all that I do. Prayer helps me in every single aspect of my life. But I still believe that prayer is not enough.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Paul emphasizing the importance of prayer, rejoicing, and giving thanks. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says that healing for the land will come as a result of prayer, humility, and repentance. And when you look at the life of Jesus, and how He spent His time engaging people here on earth, Jesus didn’t only pray. He healed people from various physical, emotional, and spiritual conditions; He taught multitudes and mentored the disciples; He fed people who were hungry and turned water into wine; and ultimately He voluntarily was beaten and crucified on behalf of all mankind. He even rose from the dead! Prayer was not enough.

When I say that prayer is not enough, my issue is not with the one, God, that we are praying to. God is MORE THAN enough. There is no limit to God’s ability, power, and existence. My issue is with anyone who uses prayer as an excuse, or justification for their prayers not encompassing an aspect of practicality. If prayer is all that you offer when you see someone who is hungry and you are able to provide a meal, it isn’t enough. If prayer is your answer to the hurting, and you do not weep and offer comfort for your fellow human being, prayer is not enough. If prayer is your answer to injustice, and you are not working to dismantle the systems that were created to favor some, and brutally take advantage of others, prayer is not enough.

James 2:17 says that faith without works is dead. Faith is what causes us to pray to God, and faith should also result is us doing the work of faith. Our lives, in word and deed, should be a manifestation of our faith and the time we spend in prayer. Prayer is not enough.