FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

While such intercession is important, a careful study of prayers in the Bible reveals their emphasis on spirituality and eternity. Paul provides these ideal examples: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling . . . that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man . . .” (Ephesians 1:18, 3:16). Make a list of lost people you know and pray regularly for them. Ask that the Holy Spirit would convict those who’ve strayed away from the truth, and comfort those facing affliction. Formulate a plan of intercession— For example, I pray for local leaders on Monday, state leaders on Tuesday, and national leaders on Wednesday. In addition to interceding for your immediate family every day, devote other days of the week to extended family. Also, I pray through the 50 U.S. and 228 countries in the world every 31 days. There are so many ways to run with this. I highly recommend going to the web site of Every Home for Christ at www.EHC.org, where you’ll discover a plethora of resources to help develop a plan. In the wake of their idolatry and disobedience, the Israelites asked their leader Samuel to pray for them. In response, he said, “. . . far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23). With these words in mind, take advantage of every opportunity to pray for others. And while you’re at it, make sure you include the fifth vital element—praying for yourself, biblically known as petitioning. A great biblical example of petitioning appears buried in the midst of an Old Testament genealogical list. Jabez, the subject of Bruce Wilkerson’s wildly popular book, The Prayer of Jabez , asked for God’s blessings, prosperity, and protection. (1Chronicles 4:10). “FAR BE IT FROM ME . . .”

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