Deuteronomy 33:7 – The indispensability of prayer in our walk

The tribe of Reuben was the first to be blessed in Moses’ blessing because Reuben was Israel’s eldest son. The next tribe to receive his blessing was the tribe of Judah. It was because when the children of Israel were on the march, the tribe of Judah would lead the way. They formed the vanguard whenever the nation went into battle. This blessing was a prayer for God to hear them whenever they lead the nation in battle against their enemies. That God would come to their help against the adversaries whom they had to confront.         

This verse underscores the importance of prayer. So in this blessing on the tribe of Judah suggests that God will hear their prayer whenever they go into battle to confront the enemies. Prayer is not only the need of Judah. It is also what we all need if we are to advance in our journey with God. We need to pray that God will help us to reach the destiny He has installed for us.  

Prayer is an indispensable habit if we are to advance as a disciple of Christ. In prayer, we are seeking the help of God for the release of the power of the Holy Spirit to act on our behalf. Romans 8:26-27 make no bones about it. We are told that “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Whenever we pray, the help of the Holy Spirit is made available.

While Deuteronomy 33:7 is meant for the tribe of Judah, it is a call for us to pray. We belong to Jesus Christ, “the Lion of Judah”. In prayer, we collaborate with God. Without God we cannot, but without us, God will not.  Prayer governs heaven. The Lord Jesus tells us that whatsoever we ask the Father in His name, He will do it. No wonder He asserted in John 15:5 that apart from Him we can do nothing. We need to pray. Prayer expresses our delight in God, shows our dependence on God, and keeps us determined in God. The promise of God is that when we ask, it shall be given us; when we seek, we shall find; and when we knock, the door shall be opened. So let us ask, let us seek, and let us knock. By prayer, we will reach our destiny. Be sure to pray! It is as important as the air we breathe!