Thursday, February 7, 2008

Intentional Praying

Intentional Praying
By Jo Gower, World Radio Donor Relations {www.wfr.org}

“Finally, brothers pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 (NIV)

Paraphrase Praying:
Praying and reading God’s Word go hand in hand. They go together in helping us to be persistent in prayer. It gives more power to our prayers when we pray scripture back to God. In His word we find His will and when we pray His will we know he answers yes instead of no to our prayers.

Praying God’s word builds our faith; brings God’s power into our praying. Praying God’s promises predicts the answers; you know when you pray God’s word, you’re praying His will.

Praying God’s word is a cure for our self-centered “me…me…me…list” which places the focus on God instead of ourselves.

For example the above scripture, II Thessalonians 3:1-3 we could pray in this way:
Father, we pray you would use World Radio to spread the Gospel of Christ quickly and that Your Word is honored and obeyed. May your name be held up high and holy. You are the one and only true and living God. Thank you for delivering the World Radio Speakers from perverse and evil men for not all have faith in You. You prepare a table for the World Radio speakers before their enemies. You protect them as they hide in the shelter of Your wings. You, oh God are faithful and You strengthen the speakers of World Radio; may the gospel be heard in every nation upon the earth, for all Nations belong to You. It is through Christ by His sacrifice; power and authority we pray, Amen.

Purposeful Prayer:
Prayer and Evangelism are linked together!

“The harvest is truly plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the Harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” - Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV)

“I urge, then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” - 1Timothy 2:2-4 (NIV)

1. Ask God how you might be used to go into all the world.

2. Pray that the thousands of World Radio News that goes out every other month will spark an interest in missions around the world.

3. Pray each Speaker for World Radio will be dedicated to preaching God’s truth with grace and love.

4. Prayerfully consider the possibility of supporting World Radio on a monthly basis.

5. Please pray for an abundant outpouring financially to enable World Radio to establish a radio program in more nations and languages of the world.

6. Pray for the World Radio staff in West Monroe Louisiana to continue to faithfully work toward the goal of Preaching the Gospel of Christ to every person in his or her own language. Pray for the staff to continue to work together as a team. Go to http://www.wfr.org/ to learn more.

The song "Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus" is in my heart!  What a great thought nothing can stand in our way, no battle scars ...