Day 25

While on my 2 year journey to faith, I asked SO many questions. I remember being surprised that no one tried to "convince me" of anything. They would answer my questions and then we would move on. It allowed me the freedom to come back and ask more questions. But now looking back I understand why no one tried to convince me of this thing called faith, it wasn't their job to convince me, it is the work of the Holy Spirit to do the convincing!! I hope you read that and feel relieved. If we are selling someone our faith then we need to stop selling and start sharing. We need to answer the questions and be available to do life with them, but the ultimate convincing comes from the work of the Spirit and in God's ultimate and perfect timing we can pray that the unbeliever comes to faith in Christ Jesus. Our part and privilege is to pray for her, or him. Pray that God will create in the heart of every unbeliever we come in contact with a hunger and thirst for truth. Have you ever walked alongside another as they seek Jesus? Oh, it is a glorious journey and sometimes frustrating. Frustrating from the standpoint that you want the person to surrender, to give it all to Christ because that is when real life begins, you know it and you want it for the other person. But it takes time and that wait can at times be frustrating. But don't stop!! Always trust God hears the prayer for more to move from knowing about Him to surrendering to Him.

Day 25
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray

What to Pray: For More Conversions

"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

"We...will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.
"So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:4, 7).

Christ's power to save, and save completely, depends on His unceasing intercession. After the apostles withdrew themselves to concentrated prayer, the number of the disciples multiplied rapidly. As we in our day give ourselves to intercession, we will also see more conversions. Let this be our focus. Christ is exalted to grant repentance and salvation. The church exists for the divine purpose of growth in faith and in numbers. Let us not be ashamed to confess our sin and weakness, and then to cry to God for more souls to be saved both in our midst and in countries where His Word is not preached and people cling to false gods and die without hope.

How to Pray: In Deepest Humility

"'Yes, Lord,' she said, 'but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered, 'Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.' And her daughter was healed from that very hour" (Matthew 15:27-28).

You feel unworthy to pray. You question whether you are praying effectively. Even when you feel this way, come before Him and tell Him how you feel. This is true humility. You are not seeking for yourself, but for others. You are trusting His grace and mercy, not your merits or influence. It is the beginning of a great faith, and an answer is forthcoming. The woman reminded the Lord that the dogs are allowed the crumbs that fall from the table. Let that be your plea as you persevere for someone who is outside the circle of faith or outside the hearing of the Gospel. Do not let your unworthiness hinder you from trusting God's faithfulness and mercy toward someone less fortunate that you.

Your Own Prayer Requests:

Pray and ask the Spirit to reveal to you who you can be praying for. Tell God all your concerns about that person and commit to pray for that person. Expect an answer and don't stop praying until you hear the answer.

I was driving, actually waiting, in traffic when I looked to my right and saw a mom and daughter next to me. Both sitting quietly. I was prompted to pray for her. I said, "Okay, but how shall I pray for her?" The only prompting I had was to pray for her salvation. Her nationality was different than mine, as was her attire, so I prayed for her and her daughter to come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior and then that He would use them to impact their family and country. Hey, nothing is too hard for our great God, especially when it is HIS idea to pray. I won't know until heaven how that turns out but it was a privilege to pray for that mom and daughter. If God will ask me to pray for someone in traffic to come to know Him (I hadn't even asked to pray for anyone), how much more will He accomplish when I do ask for Him to reveal to me those in my sphere of influence of whom I can pray for. It is God's heart that His children come to trust Him as Lord and Savior, that we might understand His great love for us. Although it takes time to see an answer to our prayers, we can trust He hears this one and will respond. May those He calls us to pray for be prepared to surrender...pray for softened hearts.