Call to Prayer
While today I was planning on starting the study over the twelve disciples, I feel called to reach out to our global audience and ask you all to pray. For many Christians around the world, living and walking their faith has been dangerous. For our readers in the United States, we are only beginning to see what our brothers and sisters have been facing.
This post is not to say who has it harder; we should not be like the disciples who were trying to figure out who was the greatest, like in Luke 22:24-30, “24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. 28 “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Instead, we need to be doing as Jesus says here. We need to remember to serve those around us.
While our place is not here but with our Heavenly Father, that does not mean that there is no work to be done. In past posts regarding the power of prayer, it became evident that prayer is the artillery fire for the Christian. So today, I am asking all our readers to set aside time to pray for several things.
First, pray that God’s will would continue to be done. We are not in some cosmic battle between “good” and “evil”. The end has already been decided, and God wins. However, God still has plans for the people here, including Israel, political leaders, pastors, and even the new believers in the faith. Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”
Second, pray for pastors, not just those currently serving their churches. Pray for the men who are needed to stand up and declare God’s word to the future generations. Pray that they will receive the knowledge to encourage and guide. 1 Peter 5:2-4, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
Third, pray for the political leaders. Pray that Christian leaders stand up, but also pray for those God has placed in positions of authority. If they are not believers, pray that they become followers of Christ. Remember, God is the one who gives individuals authority, and it is His will that they will complete. Romans 13:1, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
Finally, pray for the believers around the world. Pray that they do not stray from their faith even when in the midst of persecution. Pray that they train up believers to follow in their footsteps. Pray that their walk is a testimony to God’s glory and grace. Pray for the safety of believers. 1 Timothy 2:8, “8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.”
Let this year be the year that the world recognizes the power of a praying church!
Seek the truth, encourage one another, and hold fast to the faith,
Alex