Have you ever stopped to think about how amazing prayer is? The God of the universe cares so much about us being part of His plans for the world that He invites us to talk to Him in prayer and listen to Him.
On Wednesday as we drove through a snow storm in VA (do they even own snow plows in VA??) we were praying for God’s protection, and many people were praying for us. We prayed and concentrated on safe driving, and made it through the ice-and-snow-covered interstates just fine. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer.
Right now as I type this, I am part of a team that is on a ministry trip to NY: spending time with friends and being part of ministries with folks from churches in Port Henry and Lake Placid. Our team has people praying for us, asking the Lord to use us to encourage people spiritually and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. The Lord has been answering those prayers. We have had many, many spiritual conversations with people, and today someone received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!
Also today, my sons are part of a weekend outreach and discipleship event at our home church, Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula, GA. From here in NY, I am praying for them and the other 1000+ teens who are part of the DNOW weekend event. I am praying that many students will trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior this weekend. I know that God hears my prayers.
I have other friends who are traveling to East Asia to visit friends, encourage them spiritually, and share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are interested to listen. I am praying that people will be saved, and that new churches will be started in that part of the world. It is amazing that God hears me when I pray about that too.
What about you? As you consider all the things that you are praying for on a regular basis, are you praying for God’s activity around the world? God hears you when you pray. Join Him in His work. One of the ways you join Him is through prayer.
Hear what the first-century believer Paul asked people to pray for:
Ephesians 6:18-20 (HCSB)
18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.
Pray simple, clear, biblical, powerful prayers like this:
“Lord, draw people to faith in Jesus.”
“Lord, help your people to be faithful to share the good news of Jesus Christ.”
“Lord, open up the hearts of unbelievers to see their need for Jesus.”
“Lord, grow your churches around the world, especially those in this city/country: [insert the name of the city/country here].”
“Lord, raise up leaders, pastors and missionaries to go to the ends of the earth to share the good news of Jesus.”
“Lord, provide the financial resources needed to get the gospel of Jesus to the people around the world that don’t yet have faith in Jesus Christ.”
“Lord, where do you want me to go?”
That last question was intended to remind you that God wants us all involved in His work: through prayer, through giving, and through going. Perhaps He wants you to go to the ends of the earth on a short-term mission trip or for a lifetime. If so, go where He wants you to go. For all of us, the Lord wants us to go to the people that are right across the street or across the hall from us.
Take another look at Ephesians 6:18-20 above. What else do you notice that Paul encourages the Christians in Ephesus to pray for? Write them in the comments section below.
Keep praying. God hears your prayers. They are powerful. They are prayers heard ’round the world!
Great post of the good news going out and a great reminder for our prayer focus.