Day 6

A few years ago I was in the office at church wrapping up some details from a busy morning of Bible study. The desk I used was behind the receptionist and the door to our office was almost always open so I got to see people coming and going and hear many interesting questions being asked and answered. On this particular day a couple passed by the front desk on their way out and thanked the receptionist for allowing them to come in and pray. I couldn't help but be intrigued. I made eye contact with the woman sharing and walked to the front counter to listen. She was eager to share that she and her husband had committed to the Lord for the 40 days prior to Easter that they would drive and allow God to direct them to the church He chose for them to spend time in to pray. They were from the south side of Chicago and told of some churches that when they asked if there was somewhere for them to pray the church representative would say yes or no. I chuckled and asked if a church really would tell them no? She said, "Oh yes, we have been told by several churches that we couldn't pray." I was shocked. This couple told us that they felt directed by God to come to First Baptist on this particular day to pray. They told us how they prayed for our church family, the church's leadership, the children of our church and that God would move mightily in the lives of His children at FBCG. They thanked us again for allowing them to come in and pray and then they left. About that same time a truck driver pulled in to our West Campus wanting to talk to a pastor. The young man was not yet 20 years of age but drove by our church and felt like he needed to stop. A pastor met with him and shared the gospel. That young man, because of the faith of his grandmother who had recently passed away, decided to pray and receive Christ. Amazing!!

Day 6
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray

What to Pray: For the Spirit of Love in the Church

"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. I have made you known to them and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them" (John 17:22-23, 26). "But the Fruit of the Spirit is love" (Galatians 5:22). Believers are one in Christ as He is one with the Father. The love of God rests on them and will dwell in them. Pray that the power of the Holy Spirit may so work this love in believers that the world may see it and know God's love for them. Let this be a continual subject of prayer.

How to Pray: As One of God's Reminders

"I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest" (Isaiah 62:6). Study these words until your soul is filled with the realization: I am appointed to be an intercessor. Enter God's presence in that conviction. Study the world's need with the thought: It is my work to intercede; the Holy Spirit will teach me what I am to pray for and how I am to pray. Let it be an abiding recognition: My great life work, like Christ's, is intercessory prayer-to pray for believers as well as for those who do not yet know God.

Your Own Prayer Requests:

~Pray for a boldness to follow after God, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone.
~Ask God to give you His heart for the lost
~Ask God to bring a new believer into your life. Then share your faith with her that she might know the love of Christ

That couple had been on the road for 31 of their 40 days of prayer. They came to intercede for our church family, and yet they didn't know anyone from our church. But, as a body of believers we are one in Christ. I believe a direct answer to their prayers was a new life in Christ that arrived in a truck to our parking lot at the West Campus. May I learn to be as obedient as they were and pray boldly for believers and the lost!! They asked me to pray that they will remain obedient to His call. I can't wait to see them again in heaven and share stories!