People Need Prayer
I could not send out what I had written with all of the things going on in this world. People need our prayers.
Ezekiel 22: 30, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”
God wants His people to intercede for others. To intercede is to intervene on behalf of another. This invitation is a privilege for all Christians to serve through intercessory prayer. In Philippians, Paul reminds us we are to put others' needs ahead of our own. As we pray for others' relief and share their burdens, our burdens will seem lighter.
We are all equipped to be prayer warriors. As children of God, we possess power and a direct connection to God. Whether we whisper, scream or cry out, our Father hears us. We have opportunities to offer up prayers on behalf of family, friends, neighbors, government officials, and our nation. We do not have to be eloquent, just loving and honest, trusting God hears and God answers.
As prayer warriors, I invite you to pray with me for Afghanistan and Haiti today. There is power in numbers and power in prayer.
Ephesians 6: 18, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."
Not only do these people need prayer but God can use it for so much more.
When we come together and pray for the same thing it unites us. The Holy Spirit knits us together and we begin to seek the Kingdom of God first. We learn to trust. People who are struggling are encouraged by our compassion and concern for others as we intercede for them. Intercessory prayer is biblical.
1 Timothy 2: 1, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—"
As Taliban forces regain control over Afghanistan, we do not know what the future will bring but we can be certain the Afghani Christians face danger in the days to come. Pray for our fellow believers who must be fearful. Many are secretly living their faith and cannot imagine a Taliban takeover. Pray for God's peace to rule their hearts. We need to diligently pray for the girls, women and those in vulnerable populations. Pray for the Lord to grant them His protection, wisdom, shelter and provision. Ask God to protect them from upcoming suffering. Pray for spiritual provision for ministers and missionaries in the country. Ask God to strengthen them in their faith and keep them strong in the Lord. Let's pray for an end to the violence and for God to give wisdom to the leaders.
I believe Jesus also tells us to pray for the Taliban. Matthew 5: 43, "'You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’" Verse 44 goes on to say, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." This situation is no surprise to God. While we may find it hard to pray for them it is what Jesus commanded of us. Let’s pray that God will restrain them from doing evil.
Haiti was devastated by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake on Saturday morning. As of Saturday, it had claimed nearly 1300 lives. Let's pray for Haiti as they recover and grieve this natural disaster. Lift up the families who have lost loved ones and friends. Pray for the first responders and for those who search for survivors in the aftermath. Pray for the men, women, children, and elderly, affected by this earthquake, to receive comfort, peace, and healing from God.
"The greatest gifts we can give to each other is to pray for one another." John 14: 14, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." There is power in the name of Jesus. Pray in the power of His name. Matthew 21: 22, "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Pray it and claim it in Jesus' name. Amen!