Tuesday, August 04, 2009
One of the greatest tools that we have in helping to take the gospel around the world is prayer. As we or others span the globe in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, the need for prayer is great in the spiritual battles that are engaged as a result of the Gospel going forth. Reflect on the following words requesting prayer from fellow believers as Paul proclaims the gospel in many different places and in all kinds of circumstances.
Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there. Romans 15:31
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Colossians 4:3
Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. II Thessalonians 3:1
Paul is asking believers to pray for his protection, for boldness, for clarity, for open doors and for receptivity from those who hear. Take some time today and throughout the week to pray for our missionaries serving around the world and for those preparing to go.
Prayer: Lord, remind us often of the much greater task in this world than just what is going on in our small corner. We commit ourselves to pray for those who are serving the cause of the gospel around the world. Amen
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I am reminded again of the importance of prayer. We underestimate it so often. When we see or hear of all the things going on in the world our first reaction is to complain about it.
We love to talk. We will talk to our neighbor till we are blue in the face about how bad of shape our world is in and how much we do not agree with the politics of the time and all the horrible decisions people are making, and yet are so slow to lift those needs up in prayer. They often feel like they are above us.
What if Paul felt like those things were above him? The task set before him was huge, and he could just have easily simply complained about the state of the world. One thing that jumped out at me after reading the verses is that never did Paul ask his readers to join him in the field. He simply asked for their prayer. One of the exciting things is that God calls people to do things around the world. We all don't have to feed the starving children in another country, or bring justice to an unfair trial. God has placed people strategically for his agenda.
But we are called to pray for those. We don't have to be a missionary to be effective in the rest of the world. Our world could change over night, not because of what people are doing, but because people start praying. People receive strength when we pray for them. Lets never underestimate and underuse prayer.
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