We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, Colossians 1: 11 NLT.
Are you ever overwhelmed by all the needs in your life and the lives of others you really care about? I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit and His ability to show us how to pray. It is one area I want to grow in this year, praying more effectively.
So here are some steps I am trying to incorporate. Maybe they will help someone else..or you can pray for me!
Instead of going straight to bed and sleep, I’ve incorporated listening to worship. I intentionally try to listen to the words and worship along with the music. Afterwards, I pray for my more challenging situations (at least in my mind!). It is much easier to release my faith after worship than without it. These are probably situations I’ve already prayed for during the day.
Another tool I’ve added is praying Paul’s prayers. Growing up as a Baptist girl, we did not have set prayers like some of our Catholic or Episcopalian brethren have. We did pray the “Lord’s Prayer”, but not too often corporately. We were encouraged to just pray from the heart. It took me a while to incorporate these amazing prayers for myself and for others. Like the above scripture, praying for others to be strengthened with all his glorious power so [they] will have all the endurance and patience [they] need. May [they]be filled with joy. This is a prayer that can be prayed for almost everyone! The Greek word translated ‘endurance’ here is hupomone. It is a word that combines “hupo” meaning under and “mone” meaning to remain. So when praying this prayer, we are asking the Lord to help our friends to bear up under difficult circumstances without weariness or defeat. It specifically refers to situations, not people. So many are dealing with difficult circumstances around me. I am so grateful I can pray this prayer for them.
Along with praying for the needs of others, I haven’t forgotten the scriptural instruction to pray for our leaders. When I hear people complaining about either our political leaders or spiritual leaders, I want to ask, “have you been praying for them?” This is a reminder to pray for our leaders, my friends. Criticisms or behind their back complaining are only going to hurt your soul, not bring any positive change. I urge, then, first of all that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. I Timothy 2:1-2.
When was the last time you prayed for your enemies? Maybe your enemies comprise of those who do not think like you do. You see them as a threat. Matthew 5:44, But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Isn’t that an amazing scripture? It tells us to love our enemies first! Then pray for those who persecute us Difficult to do. I believe if we put this into practice, our enemies may become our friends. Really interceding for others, enemies or not, changes our hearts towards them. Love and hope springs up where fear and animosity once grew. I challenge you to pray for the person who irritates you the most. Ask the Lord to bless them, you will be changed.
None of these steps or tools are new or unique to me. Believers have been using them for generations. Praying in faith, trusting God’s Word, which tells us the prayers of the righteous avails much, is such a privilege. Ask Him to persecuted church? Christians that are in prison because of their faith? I have an internet friend who lives and ministers in India. She asked me to pray the other day because some of the local pastors were arrested for their faith. Then I discovered an American pastor friend (along with their team) was in a different part of India and was placed under house arrest for their faith as well. Gratefully, in both situations, these brave leaders were released. However, the local Indian pastors live under the constant threat of arrest, beatings or even having their homes torched.
My friends, it is time to grow in intercession. It is how we can partner with Him to increase the Kingdom.
Father, we are like the first disciples, needing you to teach us how to pray. Forgive us for our small vision and small faith prayers. I ask you to help us grow in this area for Your Kingdom’s sake. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 