'' The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Brothers and sisters, pray for us.'' 1 Thessalonians 5:24-25
Why would Paul who said in 1 Corinthians 14:18 ''I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you'' ask for prayers? Was everything not dependent on his own prayers and faith for himself and his assignment?
The work is great and the Lord is faithful to ensure we fulfil it but there are many perils. However, as Paul said, ''He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many.'' 2 Corinthians 1:10-11
To achieve the goals of Jesus, we need the spirit of Jesus. This was reinforced in me just yesterday as a prayed with a body of leaders. May I use this opportunity to appreciate the many organisations like Movement.org and CBN.org that have come to my aid in this area several times.
We know that prayer is an area in which unity and love are most effectively forged but have we harnessed this power to the full?
What would hold and bind a body of believers from different races, backgrounds, traditions, ages and sexes together has to be more than words. It is more than scriptural knowledge. It has to be the power that gives life to the very words of scripture i.e. the power of the Holy Spirit.
''The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.'' - Jesus. John 6:63
He is the power of God, the wisdom of God and the spirit of Christ.
Prayer was Paul's culture and method of relationship with the believers as was our Lord's.
''We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.'' - Paul 1 Thessalonians 1:2
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”- Jesus Luke 22:30-32
Now, how about if I would just pray for my brother before discussing what I do not like about him or the areas of theology in which we differ? How about if I just say a heartfelt prayer for him before correcting him or getting upset with him?
How about if we found out the goals of another ministry and prayed passionately that the goals be fulfilled? For example, that of Alpha.org discussed at the just concluded (and truly excellent) Alpha Leadership Conference.
How about if you prayed for others to succeed even as you look to achieving your own organisational goals and targets? How about if your church organised a prayer meeting primarily for the growth and success of another Christian organisation or church? especially one you do not particularly get along with?
And how about if we all prayed fervently that the aims of the Bible Societies, and Rick Warren, to get the Bible translated into all the languages in the world in the next 10 years succeed? While at the same time offering prayers of thanksgiving to YHWH for the achievements of Christ Embassy in translating the daily devotional Rhapsody of Realities into all known languages of the world. And for the accessible bible teaching of the BibleProject.com to expand to other languages?
How about if your Church is known for confronting every setback or scandal of other ministries with prayers rather than criticism or competition? How about we are known for organising prayers for the growth and thriving of denominations and ministries other than ours?
How quickly would the Body of Christ grow, unite and flourish if we were all known for our 'other-centeredness? This is YHWH's direction for you and me.
PRAYER for the other.
''There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.'' Psalm 46:4
Jesus said in John 7:38, that out of our bellies, i.e. innermost parts, will flow rivers of living waters. These rivers will not only cause the lands around them to flourish and bring in a large shoal of fish from diverse regions (Ezekiel 47:9-11), but they will also make glad the city of God.
Let us make Zion - the body of the people and city of YHWH- glad by allowing his love and spirit to flow out of us towards each other in heartfelt prayer.
Please pray for us.
Thank you.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.''John 17:19-21
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