“Often prayer is one of the most selfish areas of Christians' lives. Many of us have to admit that most of our prayers focus on OUR own needs. Occasionally, we may reach beyond our own narrow concerns and pray for others. Yet usually when we tell someone, ‘I'll pray for you,' we don't do it. Or, we pray once and then quickly forget about that person's need.” ~David Wilkerson
Looking into my own life, I found myself doing the same thing. I have said to people that I would pray for them…and then walk away. Now I discipline myself to pray for them right when they ask for prayer. This is a good thing, but I have discovered that even that is not enough. I don't say this lightly, but when I take a good look at my prayers—they are pretty selfish compared to the amount that I pray for others. God forgive me. Don't get me wrong, I do pray for people. As I am out driving somewhere, a name often comes to my mind and I immediately pray to God for that person. But what is lacking is a specific, list-like system, where I can pick it up and take it to the throne of God. A system like my wife, Jen has.
James 5:13-16 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Do you realize that as God uses me—I will be facing attacks from many different directions? Every time I enter the battlefield called ministry there are dangers all around. Do you think the devil is going to leave me alone, when people are getting saved, rededicated, and delivered??? I need your prayer support!
Rom 15:30-32 I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
As I look at the people (around me) in my mission field, it is a little discouraging. Marriages are in trouble. Teens are rebelling or on the border of it. Depressed people are posting things online about death. The burden is almost overwhelming… If there ever was a time for the church to pray more…it's now. Who will the Lord send into this incredible work? Maybe you…
The good news is I know that there are prayer warriors lifting me up to God. My prayer is that God will stir in more hearts, a new passion for this much needed ministry.
Having a specific list is very helpful, but God just said to me—“What is more important than anything else…is an intercessors heart.” Do you feel moved to pray when you hear of a need? Does your heart break when you hear of someone having trouble? Do you feel helpless, but really want to do something when tragedy hits? If your answer is yes—then you are an intercessor.
I believe in the power of prayer, and I am thankful for His servants who are already in this ministry of intercession. If you are not currently involved or not sure what to do then let me know if God has lead you to enlist in this desperately needed function of the church.
May God speak to your hearts today,
Pastor Ray
