"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
Many years ago, through another church, I was asked to have a prayer partner. Initially the commitment was for six months along with a Bible study. Those days have long past, however we still intercede in prayer for each other through texting, email, a telephone conversion or a home visit. Praying for another person is a privilege to observe the mighty works of our heavenly Father.
What does the word “prayer” stir up in you?
Does it make you feel comforted and at peace or does it make you feel nervous and anxious?
How would you define prayer?
The definition of prayer from the Student Bible Dictionary is talking and listening to God, an intimate fellowship with God, calls for faith and a right relationship with God, and may include praise, thanksgiving, confession, asking, interceding, and receiving.
When we stop to think about prayer, we quickly realize what a privilege it is. God chooses to communicate with us through prayer. He chooses to involve us in His work. He wants to have a relationship with us. He wants to show Himself mightily in our lives and intercede on our behalf time and time again.
God wants us to pray because it allows us to be a part of a story that is greater than our own. It shows us to be involved in activities that have eternal significance. When we pray, God’s kingdom is advanced as His will be done “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Prayer is the greatest gift we can give to anyone.
The apostle Paul records in Philippians 1:3-4, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, all with joy.” The Greek word for “prayer” denotes a petition for, or a request made on behalf of someone else. It was a delight for Paul to intercede for fellow believers.
The author of Hebrews tells us in Chapter 9:11 that Jesus is our High Priest, our intercessor of prayer to God the Father. One of the ways God allows His creation to stay involved with Him is through prayer. Prayer helps us know about God but also helps us truly know God intimately. Through prayer we can communicate our requests to God, confess our sins to God, and give adoration, praise, and thanksgiving to God.
There are many examples of different types of prayers in the Bible. From the Student Bible Dictionary, here are a few from the matrix; 1. Confession and seeking God’s mercy (Psalm 51), 2. Commitment and showing loyalty to God (Acts 4), 3. Forgiveness and seeking mercy for personal sin or toward others (Daniel 9), 4. Confidence and affirming God’s all-sufficiency (Luke 2), 5, Benediction a request for God’s blessing (Jude 1), and 6. Intercession making request of God on behalf of another (Philippians 1).
Who might you intercede with, or partner with, in prayer who needs support, strength, and encouragement today?
( Diane French went to be with the Lord on December 1st. Her presence and Words of Encouragement will be missed. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 )