Our final day of 30 Days of Prayer but I hope not your final day to pray! I hope you have been spurred on by the Holy Spirit to journal some of the details of Andrew Murray's book The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer. I hope you have been spurred on to ask Him who you can be praying for. Intercessory prayer isn't for only 30 days, or every once in a while, it is our privilege as believers in Christ to pray for one another and to carry one another's burdens daily. We were not created to do this thing called life all alone but instead with a community of believers.
I sat in on the Jonah study today and Priscilla Shirer, the author, wrapped up the teaching session by reminding us that if we are coming to Bible study to study God's word then that is good but if we don't do anything with it then what good is it? She encouraged us to be the hands and feet of Christ to a dying nation. To be Christ to those who are lost and have no hope. That is a pretty tall order, but one that is commanded of us to go and tell all the nations. May a revival begin in our own hearts and minds, then to our families, to our neighborhood, our workplace or school, and then to the ends of the earth. A revival happened in Ninevah (modern day Mosul, Iraq) because one man allowed God to do a mighty work first in himself and then to a large city. The prophet preached against a city of nearly 122,000 people and within 24 hours the largest revival in history occurred. You can read the story in The Book of Jonah, found in the Old Testament, only four short chapters. In the four chapters we get a glimpse of ourselves as well as our God from heaven above. May we say yes to God as Jonah did, and watch to see what He does with willing hearts and available bodies.
Day 31
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Spirit of Christ in His People
"I am the vine you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me he can do nothing" (John 15:5).
"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:15).
As branches of the Vine, we are to be so like the Vine, so entirely identified with it, that all may see that we have the same nature, and life, and spirit. When we pray for the Spirit, let us not only think of a Spirit of power, but the very disposition and temper of Christ.
Ask for and expect nothing less. Ask it for yourself and ask it for all God's children. This should be the deepest cry of our heart.
How to Pray: Striving in Prayer
"I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Romans 15:30).
"I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally" (Colossians 2:1).
Paul asked his followers to join him in his trials by praying for him. All the powers of evil seek to hinder us in prayer. Prayer is a conflict with opposing forces. It requires the whole heart and all our strength. May God give us grace to strive in prayer for others, and may we all be blessed with many who pray also for us.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
Pray and ask God to bring to your mind those for whom you can pray. Be intentional, commit to action, and strive to lift up your brothers and sisters in prayer, pray that your world and their world will be changed and transformed for Christ.
John 15:5, listed above, is underlined in my Bible. In my mind it is my life verse. I didn't put a date in my Bible when I underlined it but I remember praying it back to God that I wanted to remain in Him so that I could bear fruit, fruit that will last. Once I came to faith I was fully surrendered and longed to be of some use to God. As I look back over the past 10 years of faith and the nearly 2 years I spent trying to figure out if this was really the real deal, I realize how little I have done personally but how God has been so faithful. So faithful to those I have prayed for and served alongside of. I am in awe and humbled that He would allow me to be called His daughter and serve Him in ministry.
"Christ our intercessor is our life. He is our Head and we are His body. His Spirit and life breathe in us. As in heaven so on earth, intercession is God's chosen channel of blessing. Let us learn from Christ what kind of glory there is in this kind of prayer" (page 109-110).
Thank you ladies for joining us on this journey. Today's lecture at the general level was on intercessory prayer. God is up to something and it is good. We shall serve the King together.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day 30
This week we start up Bible study again and I am ready! Tomorrow we will spend the time getting ready to open both campuses for Tuesday and get ready for our evening sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Nearly 375 ladies will converge on the FBCG campuses this week to study God's word and over 100 children will be in tow. The ladies come from all different churches in the Fox Valley area and beyond, they come from various faith traditions, some gals are in their 20's and some are in their 80's, and many in between. Of the ladies coming there will be some who will study the Bible for the very first time and they are very nervous about this new endeavor. Others will join us who have studied the Bible for years, they are seasoned students. We come because something inside of us draws us to this place. We sometimes want to do something else, anything else, but we cannot stay away. That draw is the work of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing in us that wants to draw nearer to God. Our nature tends to move away from God, that is because of sin. But because of His great love for us He draws us to Himself.
Pastor Jeff mentioned this morning that sometimes he arrives at church but doesn't really want to be there. But once the music starts his heart begins to change and he begins to make the shift from not wanting to be there to a place of worship. Bible study works the same way at times. Once the winter sets in, the snow falls and the wind blows we think maybe staying home is a good idea. Rest assured I am right there with you but may we commit to pray for one another that we will press on and go. As we meet for worship at 9:00 a.m. and sing praises to Him, then our heart begins to soften and we begin to be grateful for being in this place where only an hour earlier it may have been the last place we wanted to be. The snow might fly and the winds might howl but we are in His presence and can't imagine being anyplace else.
God is at work in this place and if we don't go we might just miss something. Our presence isn't always for our benefit but if we are willing and have a heart prepared to receive whatever He allows for that time then He may use our situation to benefit someone else. He may choose you, or me, to speak His truth that impacts someone in our groups.
Day 30
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Holy Spirit With the Word of God
"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake" (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
"It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told to you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven" (1 Peter 1:12).
The Word of God is circulated without much difficulty in countries where there is freedom of religion. Most sermons are preached based on the Word of God-or should be. Bibles--including various versions--are being read in homes and in private schools. The Word is powerful and will accomplish what God intends in each place, but how important it is to intercede in these places, that the Holy Spirit will attend the Word in power through those who are filled with the Spirit and who read the Word with the eyes of the Spirit's understanding. Pray for Bible circulation in countries where it is restricted or even prohibited, but pray too for the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit in minds and hearts and in preaching and teaching and reading, that its full effect may be felt in every place. Let every mention of the Word of God awaken intercessory prayer.
How to Pray: Watching and Praying
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains" (Colossians 4:2-3).
Do you see how everything depends upon God and prayer? As long as He lives and loves and hears and works, as long as there are souls with hearts closed to the Word of God, as long as there is work to be done in carrying the Word to the ends of the earth--praying without ceasing. "Continue in prayer, watching in the same with thanksgiving." These words are for every Christian. No one is exempt.
Your Own Prayer Requests
~Pray earnestly for those who are currently studying God's word to continue, that the devil will not discourage them and keep them away.
~Pray earnestly for that young believer to join the community of believers and draw nearer to God by studying His word.
~Pray for the unbeliever that He will draw her to Himself and her heart beats faster, she cannot stay away. Her heart and mind long to know more and she responds to His invitation.
These cold, dark months ahead are hard for lots of reasons. But in the context of God's Word the cold, dark months ahead are months where we notice numbers begin to drop off. Women miss a few weeks due to illness and begin to feel disconnected to the group and choose other things instead of studying God's Word. Today's devotion encourages us to intercede in places like this, that the Holy Spirit will attend in power through those who are filled with the Spirit, so that God can impact those around us. Those who are taking the big step to come for the first time NEED to see Jesus in you. Those who are hurting NEED to see Jesus with skin on in those small groups. You NEED His Spirit to be in the women around you to encourage you in this journey of faith, that you will be spurred on by the study and stories shared to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We need one another, pray for one another that we will not grow weary but instead we will be strong and courageous through the months ahead!!
Andrew Murray, the author of our devotions, gives one more day of devotions for us. Join me tomorrow for our wrap up of intercessory prayer. Review your journal and see me this week to pick up a calendar to encourage us to keep on praying for one another!!
May God bless you this day and in the days and months ahead.
Pastor Jeff mentioned this morning that sometimes he arrives at church but doesn't really want to be there. But once the music starts his heart begins to change and he begins to make the shift from not wanting to be there to a place of worship. Bible study works the same way at times. Once the winter sets in, the snow falls and the wind blows we think maybe staying home is a good idea. Rest assured I am right there with you but may we commit to pray for one another that we will press on and go. As we meet for worship at 9:00 a.m. and sing praises to Him, then our heart begins to soften and we begin to be grateful for being in this place where only an hour earlier it may have been the last place we wanted to be. The snow might fly and the winds might howl but we are in His presence and can't imagine being anyplace else.
God is at work in this place and if we don't go we might just miss something. Our presence isn't always for our benefit but if we are willing and have a heart prepared to receive whatever He allows for that time then He may use our situation to benefit someone else. He may choose you, or me, to speak His truth that impacts someone in our groups.
Day 30
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Holy Spirit With the Word of God
"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake" (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
"It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told to you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven" (1 Peter 1:12).
The Word of God is circulated without much difficulty in countries where there is freedom of religion. Most sermons are preached based on the Word of God-or should be. Bibles--including various versions--are being read in homes and in private schools. The Word is powerful and will accomplish what God intends in each place, but how important it is to intercede in these places, that the Holy Spirit will attend the Word in power through those who are filled with the Spirit and who read the Word with the eyes of the Spirit's understanding. Pray for Bible circulation in countries where it is restricted or even prohibited, but pray too for the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit in minds and hearts and in preaching and teaching and reading, that its full effect may be felt in every place. Let every mention of the Word of God awaken intercessory prayer.
How to Pray: Watching and Praying
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains" (Colossians 4:2-3).
Do you see how everything depends upon God and prayer? As long as He lives and loves and hears and works, as long as there are souls with hearts closed to the Word of God, as long as there is work to be done in carrying the Word to the ends of the earth--praying without ceasing. "Continue in prayer, watching in the same with thanksgiving." These words are for every Christian. No one is exempt.
Your Own Prayer Requests
~Pray earnestly for those who are currently studying God's word to continue, that the devil will not discourage them and keep them away.
~Pray earnestly for that young believer to join the community of believers and draw nearer to God by studying His word.
~Pray for the unbeliever that He will draw her to Himself and her heart beats faster, she cannot stay away. Her heart and mind long to know more and she responds to His invitation.
These cold, dark months ahead are hard for lots of reasons. But in the context of God's Word the cold, dark months ahead are months where we notice numbers begin to drop off. Women miss a few weeks due to illness and begin to feel disconnected to the group and choose other things instead of studying God's Word. Today's devotion encourages us to intercede in places like this, that the Holy Spirit will attend in power through those who are filled with the Spirit, so that God can impact those around us. Those who are taking the big step to come for the first time NEED to see Jesus in you. Those who are hurting NEED to see Jesus with skin on in those small groups. You NEED His Spirit to be in the women around you to encourage you in this journey of faith, that you will be spurred on by the study and stories shared to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We need one another, pray for one another that we will not grow weary but instead we will be strong and courageous through the months ahead!!
Andrew Murray, the author of our devotions, gives one more day of devotions for us. Join me tomorrow for our wrap up of intercessory prayer. Review your journal and see me this week to pick up a calendar to encourage us to keep on praying for one another!!
May God bless you this day and in the days and months ahead.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year! Day 29
Welcome to 2011! For some reading this, you are glad to say good-bye to 2010 and look forward to a new year with great expectation that it will be better than the last. Others are sorry to see the end of a good year and wait with trepidation to see what this next year will hold. Either way there is uncertainty and excitement at the possibilities. After having read Murray's book, The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer, I have such a hunger for prayer, like no other year, I can't wait to see how God is going to grow me in this area. We are wrapping up our final days of 30 Days of Prayer taken from Murray's book. This little nugget has challenged me to seek God. To be honest, I thought I was seeking God in all things, but now I want more. I love Him, but I want to love Him more. I love prayer but I want to make sure I am praying in the power of His Spirit. I want His daughters to seek Him for all their worries, complaints and heartaches so that his daughters might experience the freedom and joy He intended when He sent His son, Jesus, to die for us. Jesus willing gave His life so that we can be reconciled to a holy God and impact the world around us for His glory. Although lives are busier now than ever before and so many demands are made on us as women than ever before, we cannot become complacent when it comes to prayer. For those things important to us we will accomplish them. If your child has a doctors appointment you drop what you are doing and you take the child. You make it a priority. God invites us to join Him, in the power of His Spirit, to intercede for those in our sphere of influence. Can we make the time to join Him? Can we afford not to join Him? Let us not be satisfied with a mediocre prayer life, let us be intentional for 2011 to seek Him in prayer and study what it means to do so. Join voices with the saints as we seek to have His power reign here on earth as it is in heaven.
Day 29
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Spirit of Intercession
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name" (John 15:16).
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete...In that day you will ask in my name" (John 16:24, 26).
If nothing else, our school of intercession has taught us how little we have prayed in the name of Jesus. He promised His disciples that in the day the Holy Spirit came upon them they would ask in His name. Until we know and understand the work of the Spirit in the life of the intercessor, we grieve the lack of power in prayer. First we lack motivation, then we say we have no time, then we seem to sense we are getting nowhere. But if the Holy Spirit dwells in us, intercession will be natural to us. We will learn to live in His fullness, and to yield ourselves to His intercessory work through us. The church and the world need nothing so much as a mighty Spirit of intercession to call down the power of God on earth. Then we will know His presence as never before and see true revival in our midst.
How to Pray: Abiding in Christ
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" (John 15:7).
Our acceptance with God and our access to Him is only possible through Christ. As we consciously abide in Him we have the freedom to ask whatever we wish-because our old nature has been put to death and our requests are in harmony with our new nature, which is in alignment with the will of God. If we remain in this fellowship, our intercession will be effective. We will not have to be concerned about whether we are being heard and whether our requests will be granted. If we are in the will of God, we can be assured of the answer.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
~Ask that His Spirit will fill you up, that the world will fade away, and your prayers will be spoken in the power of the Spirit, heard by the Father and answered in a way that demands you continue to pray.
If more of us will intercede for our family and friends, for those in our neighborhoods and schools, for missionaries impacting foreign lands for Christ, then this time next year we will look back with great joy at the answered prayers. Those answers will create a longing in us to continue to pray and encourage us to encourage others to pray. I look back and see the answered prayers and sense a hunger in my heart from God to continue to pray with tremendous fervency and encourage others to join me as we seek to impact this world for Christ.
For Ryan's mom (Day 3 & 5), who has confessed her knees are scabby from praying for her son, keep on praying. His birthday is coming up, 1/07, may 2011 be the year God writes a new chapter in his testimony of faith. May Ryan come to a crossroads and choose Jesus as his guide.
Blessings upon each of you in 2011!!
Day 29
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Spirit of Intercession
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name" (John 15:16).
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete...In that day you will ask in my name" (John 16:24, 26).
If nothing else, our school of intercession has taught us how little we have prayed in the name of Jesus. He promised His disciples that in the day the Holy Spirit came upon them they would ask in His name. Until we know and understand the work of the Spirit in the life of the intercessor, we grieve the lack of power in prayer. First we lack motivation, then we say we have no time, then we seem to sense we are getting nowhere. But if the Holy Spirit dwells in us, intercession will be natural to us. We will learn to live in His fullness, and to yield ourselves to His intercessory work through us. The church and the world need nothing so much as a mighty Spirit of intercession to call down the power of God on earth. Then we will know His presence as never before and see true revival in our midst.
How to Pray: Abiding in Christ
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" (John 15:7).
Our acceptance with God and our access to Him is only possible through Christ. As we consciously abide in Him we have the freedom to ask whatever we wish-because our old nature has been put to death and our requests are in harmony with our new nature, which is in alignment with the will of God. If we remain in this fellowship, our intercession will be effective. We will not have to be concerned about whether we are being heard and whether our requests will be granted. If we are in the will of God, we can be assured of the answer.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
~Ask that His Spirit will fill you up, that the world will fade away, and your prayers will be spoken in the power of the Spirit, heard by the Father and answered in a way that demands you continue to pray.
If more of us will intercede for our family and friends, for those in our neighborhoods and schools, for missionaries impacting foreign lands for Christ, then this time next year we will look back with great joy at the answered prayers. Those answers will create a longing in us to continue to pray and encourage us to encourage others to pray. I look back and see the answered prayers and sense a hunger in my heart from God to continue to pray with tremendous fervency and encourage others to join me as we seek to impact this world for Christ.
For Ryan's mom (Day 3 & 5), who has confessed her knees are scabby from praying for her son, keep on praying. His birthday is coming up, 1/07, may 2011 be the year God writes a new chapter in his testimony of faith. May Ryan come to a crossroads and choose Jesus as his guide.
Blessings upon each of you in 2011!!
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