Today’s Reading, 2 Thessalonians 1-3
Focal Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 “In addition, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not all have faith.”
Knowing you are being prayed for makes all the difference. I can tell you from personal experience having people in my life who actively pray over me sustains me. Especially when they pray specific prayers. Even though it’s not said out loud I believe that most people devalue the power of prayer. I come to that conclusion because of observations I have witnessed. Prayer is now an afterthought in most places. A transition period. Or worse yet a time filler to get to another section of the service. This also applies to our personal lives. Our prayers are often more focused on us not on God working in us and through us.
In today’s verse Paul asks for prayer. His request is personal and it is passionate. He asks specifically for the word of the Lord to spread rapidly. Paul has a mission to accomplish and it needed to be lifted up in prayer. He then asks for prayer to be delivered from wicked and evil people. If Paul needed prayer support how much more do we need prayer support. His request is simple but bold.
The challenge for believers today is to ask bold prayers. To ask other people to come alongside you and pray for God to do what only he can. When the focus is on God our ministries have a clear purpose. Our prayers should focus on the word of God spreading. We should pray that people we are around daily in our jobs, schools and ministries are exposed to the word. This country has a biblical knowledge problem and a leadership problem. All which stems from a lack of prayer problem in my opinion.
So pray bold prayers. Ask others to pray bold prayers with you. What would happen if you and I earnestly prayed for God to move? Of all things we should be known for it should be known that we are a people of prayer. So when given the opportunity don’t just say you will pray for people pray for them. Take the initiative and ask others what big goal do they want God to accomplish in their lives.
We are better together. If Paul needed prayer for his ministry we need it even more. Let’s be bold and consistent in how we pray.
Tomorrow I plan on reading 1 Timothy 1-6
