As I’ve been reading through the new testament and the letters written by Paul, I’ve noticed a theme. He has a devoted heart to prayer for the body of Christ.
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9
Like Jesus, Paul had a deep love for the body of Christ, even for believers he hadn’t met. As I’ve read, it’s led me to reflect. Who and what am I praying for beyond my own immediate needs and desires? Since prayer is scriptural and a way of connection with the Lord, how can I live a lifestyle of prayer?
The bible tells us that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). If I’m truly taking heed to this then it requires a change of what most of us are accustomed to here in the US.
What if one aspect of loving our neighbor looks like praying for their needs before our own? If someone asks for prayer or mentions a need that we as the body of Christ can pray about, why not pray on the spot and take authority? Why do we wait to get into our prayer closets?
It’s so easy to get caught in the day to day grind of work, activities, school, etc. I’m guilty of this and as I share this with you, I’m looking at the areas I need to make adjustments to as well. There will be seasons that are busier than others and we can’t devote hours to prayer. But we can always make time throughout our day, whether we pray while we’re driving or when we’re getting ready for work in the morning.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
One thing I’ve intentioned myself to do daily is ask the Lord “Who is on your heart? What is on your heart?” This creates the space for Him to share if there is anyone or anything specific. If we truly take the word of God at face value and believe what He says then we should be ecstatic to pray! What is my expectation when I pray? Do I believe that God only answers certain prayers or moves according to what I do? It’s important to identify any lies about the Lord and His word that we are believing that may be causing hinderances to prayer. Without faith it is impossible to please God. A lack of faith, discouragement and doubt can be hinderances to prayer but we can call on the Holy Spirit to fill us with all joy and peace in believing (Romans 15:13).
When we have the expectation that God is good, He is going to move and things WILL change when we pray according to His will, then we are more likely to see the fruit of those prayers.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15
Maybe you can relate, but one of the things that brings me the greatest source of joy is seeing the fruit of prayer. Whether its salvation, breakthrough, healing, provision or peace. God is faithful to deliver. It may not always been on our terms and timing but we can’t allow what we are seeing in the natural discourage us from praying and believing again.
I believe that God has already done it all, as Jesus gave His life for us on the cross. We have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Will I choose to walk by faith and access these blessings/promises not only for myself but the body of Christ?
If God is burdening your heart for prayer or to pray for someone specific, then look at it as an invitation. An opportunity to partner with Him so that His kingdom would be manifested here on earth. We can cultivate a lifestyle of prayer by asking the Lord to give us His desires and heart for people. To break our hearts and move them for what His does. All is for His glory. May people come to know Him as the true and living God as we pray and make moves of action as doers of the word.
We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:7
the whole seed 