God is looking among His people for those in whom he can confide and share His purposes (Ps 25:14) - those who will pray for His will to be done on earth as it is being done in heaven. As we pray, here are a few things to keep in mind...
- Let's not set our sights too low in our asking. We serve a God who has an inexhaustible storehouse of riches. He implores us to ask Him for the nations. May we never doubt His promises, nor limit Him through unbelief, nor question His faithfulness. Let the declaration of our lips be that with God all things are possible.
- We can't fight the enemy with an unyielded life. Disobedience and ungodliness hinder our prayers. Holiness and purity are our best weapons.
- Intimacy with God even in the midst of difficult trials and spiritual battles is key to victorious praying. David wrote that "when mine enemies come against me...I will gaze upon the beauty of the Lord." (Ps 27:2-4)
- Let's not underestimate the effectiveness of worship and praise songs during our times of prayer. They are not just nice sentiments and catchy tunes but powerful declarations of God's greatness that will inhibit the enemy. God inhabits the praises of His people and whatever He inhabits cannot be occupied by the enemy.
- "Brethren, pray for us." (I Thess 5:25) We need to provide a strong prayer covering for our pastors, missionaries and Christian leaders. They are prime targets as invisible spiritual forces work against them to hinder their work, bring frustration, delays and discouragement, and sometimes, sadly, cause them to fall.
- Delays are as much a part of the answer to our prayers as is the final outcome. God is not only interested in the final outcome but also in the process. Waiting is often the hard part. But it is this that builds perseverance and steadfastness into our lives - essential characteristics for us to become mature and complete.
- Our prayers should be motivated by our love for God and His love for all peoples. When we love God we will love His will, His commands, His people and all things godly. Mixed motives can get in when we pray. May God make His love the motivating factor in our praying.
Our Lord commands us to occupy (actively fill or possess) until He comes. Our commitment to prayer is part of that occupying. The enemy will inhabit what we fail to occupy just like weeds will grow where we fail to plant.
Colin Stott
Global Prayer Coordinator