“We will give ourselves continually to prayer…” (Acts 6:4 NKJ).
The key phrase here is give ourselves continually. It is a statement indicating great intensity and exertion. This is not a casual, ho-hum, business-as-usual type activity, but one involving concentration and determined effort. My only intent in defining this expression is to open the way for all of us to have a more effective prayer life.
In the original Greek text, give ourselves continually is only one word: proskartereo (pros-kar-ter-eh’-o). It is a compound word made of two components: 1) pros, meaning “toward, in the direction of, forward, or pertaining to,” and, 2) kartereo, meaning “endurance, strength, steadfastness, and power.”
To “give oneself continually to prayer” is to engage in an activity requiring time, energy, commitment and disciplined effort. It demands prayer habits that are consistent, persistent, and insistent. Proskartereo has thus been defined as “persevering diligence,” “close adherence to a task,” “constant diligence in exercise,” and “steadfast earnestness.” It implies taking prayer very seriously and working at it very hard.
One great writer on the subject of prayer has defined this expression as “making a business of prayer; surrendering oneself totally to prayer; putting fervor, urgency, perseverance, and time into prayer.”
If your own prayer life does not match these descriptions, begin today to “give yourself continually to prayer.” It is never too late to begin!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.