How
important is prayer? Jesus has much to say about prayer and teaches its importance by his own
habit of prayer. He also teaches his disciples to pray, offering the Lord's Prayer as a model to follow.
Someone has suggested that the types of prayers can be summed up as “Help”,
“Thanks” and “Wow.” I would add “Listen” and “Melt me, Mold me, Fill me, Use
me.” And “Forgive me.” Our "Help" prayers need to be for ourselves, our church and our world - specifically spelled out needs. God hears our prayers.
We’re to pray in private – for some time every day and
at meals. We also need to
pray together as a church. Prayer together is powerful. Here’s
what Jesus says:
“If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it
shall be done to them by my Father who is in heaven. For when two or three have
gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:19-20
Have
you ever been to your church prayer meeting? Jesus promised that every prayer meeting is filled with His Spirit! Are we passionate about praying for the needs of the church? The pastors and elders need our prayers. Our church services need to be bathed
in prayer.
Are
we passionate about praying for the needs of our missionaries? They lead
difficult lives and may be persecuted or in danger. They need our prayers.
Do
we pray for the needs of our country? We can pray specifically for the Supreme
Court, for Congress, for specific bills or decisions they are about to make. Right
now we must pray for the presidential election, that it will be orderly,
honest, and peaceful and that the new president will unite our country.
Do
we pray for the needs of our world? We can pray for Muslims to come to know Christ.
Many are doing so. We can pray for our country to turn back to God; to return
to the standards of morality God’s Word commands. We can pray for our unsaved family
members.
Andy
Stanley in his book Handle with Prayer
says:
“We
are to pray for the body of Christ – the church. We are responsible for praying
for all the saints. (Eph. 6:18) One part of the body of Christ is under
persecution. Another part is lukewarm. Another part is cold, having set aside
the truth of the Word of God and doubting its authenticity. Still another part
of the body is in financial need. We are to intercede for each part according
to its specific needs, not just toss out a general request such as, “Bless the
church.” We are to pray for all the saints, not just the group we are
personally involved with.” Pg 115
Andrew
Murray in his book With Christ in the
School of Prayer says:
“Who
can say what power a church could develop and exercise if it would assume the
work of praying day and night for the coming of the Kingdom, for God’s power,
or for the salvation of souls?.....God rules the world by the prayers of his
saints…Prayer is the power by which Satan is conquered and through prayer the
Church on earth has access to the powers of the heavenly world.” Pg 115
The
world is standing in the need of prayer and so are we. Don’t miss the sweet
hour of prayer available at your church weekly.
“If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it
shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have
gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matt. 18:19-20 NASB
Blessings,
Dottie
