PRAYER WARRIOR / INTERCESSOR

WHAT SHALL I PRAY.

G.I.J.N THIS BEAUTIFUL WINTER DAY - I FEEL LIKE ITS WINTER BECAUSE OF THE SNOW THAT WE HAD ON FRIDAY - AND DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU WERE THE AMOUNT OF SNOW ON THE GROUND MADE IT CLEAR THAT WINTER IS HERE.

SO THIS MORNING IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK FOR THANKSGIVING - I WANTED TO START OFF WITH A TESTIMONY OF THANKSGIVING FOR WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR ME. I AM NOT GOING TO HAVE A THANKSGIVING MESSAGE BUT THIS MORNING I WANT TO BEGIN BY TELLING YOU THAT I AM THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE - NOW BEFORE YOU THINK I AM SAYING I AM PLEASED AND ENJOYING TO BE GIVING THE MESSAGE - I WOULD GLADLY BE LEARNING FROM SOMEONE ELSE’S TEACHING AND VIEWPOINT HERE THIS MORNING. BUT WHAT I AM SAYING IS THAT I AM THANKFUL FOR OPPORTUNITY TO BE ALIVE - AND LIVE FOR CHRIST HERE THIS MORNING - I HAVE BEEN REMINDED OF THIS BECAUSE SINCE I STOOD BEFORE THE CONGREGATION THE LAST TIME - THERE WERE TWO DEATHS THAT REMINDED ME OF THE FRAILTY OF LIFE AND THAT WE HAVE NO PROMISE FOR TOMORROW. FIRST WAS A FAMILY FRIEND WHO BATTLED BLOOD CANCER THE LAST 4 YEARS OF HIS LIFE -HIS WEEKLY BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS WERE KEEPING HIM ALIVE UNTIL HIS OXYGEN LEVEL IN HIS BLOOD COULD NOT BE MAINTAINED AND HE SHORTLY PASSED AWAY AT AGE 73 - HE WAS ABLE TO GET HIS PERSONAL EQUIPMENT ORGANIZED AND TOGETHER FOR AN AUCTION BUT HE PASSED AWAY BEFORE THE AUCTION TOOK PLACE LAST SATURDAY. AT THE AUCTION ONE OF MY FRIENDS REFLECTED ON THE FACT WHEN HE PASSED ALL HIS KNOWLEDGE AS A MECHANIC - WELDER - CARPENTER - AND ALL HIS EXPERIENCES ARE GONE WITH HIM - HE REMINISCED ON THAT FACT THAT IF YOU HAD ANY QUESTIONS OF ALMOST ANYTHING THAT THE FRIEND WHO HAD PASSED HAD PERSONALLY HAD EXPERIENCE WITH IT AND WAS HAPPY TO GIVE ADVICE IF YOU NEEDED IT.

SECOND REMINDER CAME 5 DAYS LATER WHEN ONE OF MY DRIVERS PASSED AWAY FROM A HEART ATTACK - HE WENT HOME FOR THE WEEKEND AND WE HAD MADE PLANS THAT HE WOULD RETURN THE FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY BUT AT 1:30 AM ON MONDAY HIS LIFE ENDED WHILE IN THE AMBULANCE DUE TO A HEART ATTACK. SO IF YOU THINK OF IT PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AS WE ATTEND HIS SERVICE NEXT SATURDAY AND I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO SHARE A FEW WORDS AT THAT SERVICE. SOMETHING THAT I EMOTIONALLY FEEL INCAPABLE OF DOING.

SO THIS WEEK OF THANKSGIVING - I URGE YOU TO BE REMINDED TO BE THANKFUL FOR THOSE AROUND YOU WHOM YOU LOVE AND TO CHERISH THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE AN EXAMPLE AND TEACH THEM OF THE LOVE OF GOD BY YOUR LIFE THAT GOD HAS ALLOWED YOU TO HAVE ANOTHER DAY - BECAUSE WE KNOW NOT WHEN OUR TIME ON EARTH WILL BE OVER -

THINKING OF BEING CALLED HOME I AM SO THANKFUL WE HAVE THE PROMISES OF GODS WORD THAT AS WE LIVE OUR LIVES FOR HIM HERE ON EARTH WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO GOING HOME TO BE WITH GOD AT THE END OF LIFE - WHETHER IT BE TODAY OR TOMORROW OR WHEN I DIE OF OLD AGE - I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THAT PICTURE OF HEAVEN BEING HOME - I HAD TO THINK OF WHEN WE WERE YOUNG HOME WAS THE SAFE PLACE - SAFE FROM DARKNESS - WIND - COLD AND THE UNSEEN OUTSIDE - THAT WHEN WE WERE INSIDE THEN ALL WAS WELL - THE HYPOTHETICAL BEARS COULD NOT GET US - WE WERE INSIDE SAFE WITH OUR FATHER AND MOTHER AND FAMILY.

I WAS CHALLENGED HOW THAT SHOULD BE A PICTURE OF GETTING HOME TO HEAVEN SAFE AND SOUND AND INSIDE THE REALM OF SAFETY WHICH IS OF SO HIGH IMPORTANCE - I WANT US THINK OF THIS THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON HOW MANY TIME WE HEAR OR SAY - “SAFE TRIP HOME” - “DRIVE SAFE” - “LET US KNOW WHEN ARE HOME SAFE AND SOUND”. SO THEY YOUR LOVED ONES KNOW YOU ARE WHERE YOU INTENDED TO END UP. - JUST AS WE ARE CONCERNED FOR EACH OTHERS PHYSICAL SAFETY AND DESTINATION HOW MUCH MORE WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED FOR OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY AND DESTINATION. SO AS WE SAY “ SAFE TRIP HOME” THIS HOLIDAY SEASON - MEAN IT IN THE PHYSICAL AS WELL AS THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY - I BELIEVE IT WILL HELP CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK AND LOVE FOR OTHERS IF YOU DO - WE NEVER KNOW IF THE NEXT TIME WE SEE THEM MIGHT BE IN HEAVEN.

I ALSO WANT TO GIVE A TESTIMONY OF THANKSGIVING TO EACH OF YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT THAT YOU AS A CONGREGATION HAVE BEEN TO US AS A FAMILY. I FEEL UNWORTHY OF ALL THE GIFTS - AND NOT ONLY THE GIFTS BUT THE THOUGHT AND ENERGY AND SACRIFICES OF TAKING THE TIME TO PUT ALL THE GIFTS OF MONEY - MEALS - SPECIAL TREATS AND USEFUL ITEMS AND HEARTFELT CARDS THAT YOU SO THOUGHTFULLY AND WILLINGLY SHOWERED UPON US. SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO GIVE.

BESIDES THE PHYSICAL GIFTS, I WANT TO GIVE THANKS TO YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN PRAYER -TO ALL WHO PRAY FOR THE CHURCH - THE BODY OF BELIEVERS - AND THOSE WHO HAVE PART, THAT-YOUR MESSAGES AND CARDS AND WORDS LETTING US KNOW THAT YOU ARE TAKING SERIOUSLY THE RESPONSIBILITY AS CHRISTIANS TO PRAY - INTERCEDING THAT GOD BE IN US - FILLING US WITH HIS POWER THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT — THANK YOU - THIS IS THE GREATEST GIFT TO GIVE - ASKING GOD - THE ONE WHO IS SOVEREIGN TO HAVE HIS WILL DONE IN OUR LIVES AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS A BODY OF BELIEVERS. PRAYER IS THE CONNECTION WE USE TO HONOR THE FATHER THROUGH JESUS HIS SON.

John 14:13 “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

THIS IS MY BURDEN - THAT WE AS CHRISTIANS HAVE THE DESIRE TO HONOR AND GLORIFY THE FATHER. THAT WE ARE NOT SEEKING THE PRAISE AND APPROVAL OF MAN - RATHER SEEKING GOD FIRST.

A QUOTE I READ THIS WEEK IN RELATION TO GIVING BY HARRY S. TRUMAN.

“IT IS AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH IF YOU DO NOT CARE WHO GETS THE CREDIT”

THAT CAN TOUCH PRETTY CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS - DO WE DO OR NOT DO CERTAIN THINGS BECAUSE OF WHETHER OR NOT WE WILL RECEIVE THE CREDIT. GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU WHO GIVE OF YOURSELF THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED.

THIS MORNING THE MESSAGE I HAVE IS NOT A THANKSGIVING MESSAGE BUT I AM THANKFUL FOR ALL THE TEACHING AND EXAMPLES WE HAVE IN THE WORD ABOUT PRAYER .

BACK IN SEPTEMBER I HAD STARTED A MESSAGE TITLED PRAYER WARRIORS AND INTERCESSOR AND REALIZED THIS WAS A HUGE TOPIC AND THAT I HAVE SO MUCH TO LEARN AND GROW IN MY OWN LIFE THAT I WILL BE SHARING DIFFERENT SECTIONS ABOUT PRAYER - SO THIS MORNINGS TITLE IT:

FOR WHOM SHALL I PRAY . - TURN TO PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7

ORIGINALLY I WAS THINKING OF A TITLE - WHAT WE SHOULD PRAY FOR BUT THAT IS SUCH A HUGE TOPIC SO I DECIDED TO NARROW IT DOWN TO WHO WE AS CHRISTIANS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PRAY FOR. THIS SECTION OF VERSES HAS A HEADING IN MY BIBLE - EXHORTATIONS - OR THE WORD ENCOURAGEMENT CAN BE USED - SO THIS IS ENCOURAGEMENT BY PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIAN CHURCH - SO THIS IS MY FOCUS HER THIS MORNING TO ENCOURAGE US TO PRAY FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS - TALKING TO GOD FIRST IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO GET RESULTS.

I WOULD LIKE US TO TAKE THIS TEXT VERSE FOR THIS MORNING AND USE IT AS OUR MOTTO FOR THIS WEEK: Philippians 4:6–7“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

WHO SHOULD WE PRAY FOR : THE FIRST WHO IS OURSELVES

OURSELVES - WHY PRAY FOR OURSELVES FIRST - BECAUSE WE ARE HUMAN AND WE HAVE THE TENDENCY TO LOOK AROUND AND ALLOW WHAT WE SEE TO AFFECT WHAT WE DO - NIV SAYS IT THIS WAY - DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING - BUT - IN EVERYTHING, COMMA THAT COMMA IN THE NIV STUCK OUT TO ME - BECAUSE IT GAVE A PAUSE SHOWING THAT DIRECTIONS ARE BEING GIVEN - BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUEST TO GOD.

V 7 . THIS IS THE RESULT OR REASON I NEED TO BE PRAYING AND MAKING REQUEST TO GOD, SO THAT I MAY HAVE - AS IT SAYS IN THE NIV - THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS (WHICH MEANS IS ABOVE OR SUPERIOR TO) ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD (GREEK MEANS : to be a watcher in advance, -to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively means to hem in, protect:--keep with an armed force ) YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.

JESUS TOLD US TOLD US TO ASK THE FATHER WHO GIVES TO THOSE WHO ASK OF HIM - SO THIS WHY WE SHOULD PRAY FOR OURSELVES FIRST. JUST A QUICK LIST OF THINGS TO PRAY FOR SO OUR HEARTS CAN HAVE THE PROPER CONNECTION WITH THE FATHER - NOT GOING TO LOOK INTO EACH ONE BECAUSE WE COULD STUDY EACH ONE AS WHAT TO PRAY FOR AS CHRISTIANS .

TEN REASONS WE NEED TO PRAY TO GOD FOR OURSELVES.

TO PRAY THAT HE:

EXAMINE ME. KING DAVID IN Psalm 139:23 + 24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts:” And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” COMING BEFORE GOD - ASKING HIM TO LEAD US IN THE WAY TO LIFE EVERLASTING.

WILL FORGIVE MY SINS. SO THAT I CAN BE CLEAN AND PURE AND READY TO PROCEED. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

WILL FILL ME WITH THY SPIRIT. FOR I AM A LEAKY VESSEL AND NEED FILLING BY THE HOLY SPIRIT SO I CAN WALK IN THE LIGHT. Ephesians 5:8 “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

4. WILL RESTORE AND STRENGTHEN ME. WE NEED A NEW HEART SO WE CAN BE USEFUL AND FOCUSED ON THE WILL OF GOD. EZEKIEL TALKS OF A NEW HEART IN. Ezekiel 36:26“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” ALSO WE NEED STRENGTH - AS A PRAYER WARRIOR AND INTERCESSOR IT TAKES HARD WORK AND COMMITMENT - Psalm 51:12“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with thy free spirit.” THE SPIRIT OF GOD GIVING US STRENGTH.

5. WILL GRANT ME WISDOM. GODLY WISDOM THAT COMES FROM ABOVE ONLY COMES BY THE STUDY OF THE WORD AND BY PRAYER FOR GOD TO GIVE IT. James 1:5“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

6. WILL PROTECT MY MIND. I WANT TO THINK AS GOD WOULD HAVE ME THINK BUT WE HAVE ARE BORN WITH A CARNAL MIND SO WE MUST ASK GOD FOR HELP. Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.” - CARNAL MIND IS NOT OF GOD - ONLY BY THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE MIND OF CHRIST. IN 1 CORINTHIANS 2 PAUL TALKS OF MIND OF CHRIST. VERSE :12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1 Corinthians 2:16 “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ONLY WAY WE CAN PROTECT OUR MIND AND HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST.

7. WILL HELP US STIFLE AND RESIST SATAN. SATAN HATES EVERYTHING OF CHRIST AND WILL DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO WIN THE BATTLE IN OUR MINDS. James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” MAY NEED TO BE LIKE JESUS AND DIRECTLY TELL SATAN TO DEPART AND GET BEHIND US - LET HIM KNOW HE IS NOT WELCOME OR TO BE PART OF OUR LIFE.

8. WILL SUPPRESS UNBELIEF AND INCREASE OUR FAITH. TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS ARE REAL - WE NEED TO RID OUR MIND OF UNBELIEF JUST LIKE THE FATHER OF THE CHILD IN Mark 9:24 “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” AND BE LIKE THE DISCIPLES IN Luke 17:5 “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.”

9. WILL GUARD MY BEHAVIOR - I MUST PRAY THAT I WOULD NOT BE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO OTHERS - ESPECIALLY THE LOST - 1 Corinthians 10:32–33“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” ASKING FOR WISDOM TO DO EVERYTHING TO THE SAVING OF OTHERS SO THAT OUR ATTITUDES AND CHOICES DO NOT HINDER GODS WORK.

10. WILL HELP BE USEFUL IN THE KINGDOM - GODS DIRECTION WILL GUIDE ME TO REACH OUT TO OTHERS. Proverbs 16:9“A man’s heart deviseth his way: But the Lord directeth his steps.” BE OPEN TO GODS DIRECTION THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT. DO WE DESIRE THAT GOD WILL EXPAND OUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE OR DO WE JUST DESIRE TO HIDE IN THE CORNER SO LITTLE IS REQUIRED - CAN WE PRAY THE PRAYER OF JABEZ - 1 Chronicles 4:10 “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

IT IS IMPORTANT TO FIRST BE CONNECTED AND EMPOWERED BEFORE WE CAN START FULFILLING OUR GOD GIVEN COMMANDMENTS TO PRAY FOR OTHERS WHICH IS A PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY. BUT IT MUST BE DONE WITH THE RIGHT MOTIVES. James 4:3 “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

RATHER LET IS BE LIKE PETER WHO CRIED OUT TO JESUS WHEN HE REALIZED THAT ONLY WHEN OUR FAITH AND FOCUS IS ON JESUS THEN HE CAN SAVE US. Matthew 14:30 “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”

ONLY WHEN WE RECOGNIZE OUR NEED FOR SALVATION AND CALL ON JESUS CAN WE BE FIT FOR THE KINGDOM WORK.

WHEN I LOOK AT THIS LIST OF THINGS I NEED TO PRAY FOR IN MY LIFE THIS SEEMS LIKE A BIG ENOUGH RESPONSIBILITY - SO WILL I EVER BE QUALIFIED TO PRAY FOR OTHERS - WE HAVE THE PROMISE THAT WHEN I AM WEAK THEN THE LORD IS STRONG - WE WILL ONLY FIND THAT POWER WHEN WE REACH OUT AND ASK FOR HIS DIVINE PRESENCE TO COME.

WHO ELSE ARE WE TO PRAY FOR?

YOU MAY TURN TO 1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 2 WE HAVE A VERY SHORT AND COMPLETE ANSWER IN VERSE 1.

1 Timothy 2:1 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”

ACCORDING TO THIS VERSE WE HAVE NO EXCEPTIONS TO WHO WE ARE RESPONSIBLE TO PRAY FOR. SO IT IS OURSELVES AND EVERYONE ELSE - IF WE ARE HONEST THIS IS EASIER SAID THAN DONE - IT IS EASY TO PRAY FOR THE NEEDS OF OTHERS AND JUSTIFY MY OWN NEEDS. WHEN PRAYING FOR OTHERS WE CAN BE PRETTY SELECTIVE ON WHO WE WANT GOD TO RESTORE AND WHO TO BLESS - AND ALSO WHO WE WANT JUDGED AND HOW GOD SHOULD HANDLE THE SITUATION. NIV SAYS IT THIS WAY - I URGE, THEN, FIRST OF ALL, THAT REQUEST, PRAYERS, INTERCESSIONS AND THANKSGIVING BE MADE FOR EVERYONE.

HOW OFTEN IN OUR HEART DO WE PRAY FOR JUDGEMENT, RETRIBUTION, EQUALITY ON THOSE WHO DO NOT AGREE OR SUPPORT OUR OPINION.

LETS CONTINUE READING ON IN 1 TIMOTHY 2 VERSE 2

1 TIMOTHY 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. I BELIEVE THIS A COMMAND TO PRAY FOR OUR GOVERNMENT - WHETHER FEDERAL - OR LOCAL WE ARE REQUIRED TO PRAY FOR THEM AND AT THE END OF THAT VERSE- - THAT WE MAY LEAD A QUIET AND PEACEABLE LIFE IN GODLINESS AND HONESTY. V 3 THIS IS GOOD AND PLEASE GOD - WHY BECAUSE V4. WHO WANTS ALL MEN TO BE SAVED. HERE WE SEE THE DESIRE OF GOD FOR MAN - HIS LOVE WANTS ALL MEN TO BE IN HEAVEN AND HOME WITH HIM - WE STRUGGLE TO SEE PEOPLE THROUGH THE LENS OF GOD - MAYBE WE STRUGGLE SO MUCH TO LOVE IS BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT TAKEN ALL MEN TO PRAYER.

ALONG WITH THIS RESPONSIBILITY TO PRAY FOR AUTHORITY WE ALSO SEE THE REQUIREMENT TO PRAY FOR THE LOST - V4 SAYS TO PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED OR ACCEPTED THE KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH - SO WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO INTERCEDE FOR THE UNSAVED. JESUS WAS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF REACHING OUT TO THE LOST AROUND HIM AND THEN HELPING THEM TO BELIEVE AND FIND THEIR FAITH IN GOD.

- FOR WE ARE NOT TO BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL - IF WE ARE NOT WATCHING UNTO PRAYER THEN WE HAVE THIS SOBERING THOUGHT.

1 PETER 4:17-18 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? HOW AM I DOING - AM I OBEYING THE GOSPEL - PRAYING FOR ALL MEN THAT THEY SHALL BE SAVED AND INTERCEDING FOR THEM TO FIND THE TRUTH OF GODS WORD.

TIM DILENA OF THE TIMES SQUARE CHURCH MAKES A QUOTE TO THIS EFFECT: ABOUT HEALTH OF A CHURCH:

YOU CAN TELL THE LOVE OF THE CHURCH BY HOW MANY SHOW UP ON SUNDAY MORNING.

YOU CAN TELL THE LOVE OF THE PASTOR BY HOW MANY SHOW UP SUNDAY EVENING.

YOU CAN TELL THE LOVE OF JESUS BY HOW MANY SHOW UP ON WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR PRAYER MEETING.

WE ALL AGREE THE EVIL OF THE WORLD IT ABOUNDING - IS THERE ANY CHANCE THAT THE LACK OF PRAYER - THINGS LIKE PRAYER BEING TAKEN OUT OF SCHOOL - LESS PRAYING BY GODS PEOPLE - IS A RESULT THE STATE OF THIS COUNTRY - THIS IS WHAT GOD TOLD SOLOMON AFTER HE FINISHED BUILDING THE TEMPLE AND DEDICATED IT WITH PRAYER AND SACRIFICES - THIS IS ONE OF THE THINGS THE LORD SAID. 2 Chronicles 7:14–15 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.”

THESE WERE THE REQUIREMENTS OF GOD PEOPLE IN SOLOMON'S DAY - I BELIEVE GOD STILL REQUIRES THE SAME PRAYER AND WORSHIP TODAY - WE HAVE ACCESS TO GOD WITHOUT OFFERING SACRIFICES BUT I DON'T BELIEVE GOD STANDARD OF WORSHIP IS ANY LESS. LETS CONTINUE -

2 CHRONICLES 7:19 But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.

SO WHAT OTHER god AM I HOLDING HIGHER THAT KEEPS ME FROM GODS REQUIREMENTS IN V 14. + 17 AM I DOING WHAT GOD ASKS ?

TO HUMBLE MYSELF - AND PRAY - AND SEEK GODS FACE - TURN AWAY FROM FROM MY WICKED WAYS - DO AS HE HAS COMMANDED ME - SO I SHALL OBSERVE HIS STATUTES AND HIS JUDGMENTS.

WE NEED TO PRAY FOR OURSELVES FIRST - SO WE AS THE PEOPLE OF GOD CAN CLAIM THE PROMISE THAT GOD WILL NOT FORSAKE US AND PLUCK US UP BY THE ROOTS OUT OF THE LAND WHICH HE HAS GIVEN US…

I WAS CHALLENGED BY THE ACCOUNT OF ELISHA - A PROPHET TO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL IN A TIME WHEN THE KINGS DID EVIL IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD AND DID NOT HONOR GOD. AND ISRAEL WAS NO LONGER A GREAT NATION BUT BEING CARRIED AWAY CAPTIVE. IN 2 KINGS 6: 13-23 WE HAVE THE ACCOUNT WHEN THE KING OF SYRIA WAS LOOKING TO FIND ELISHA BECAUSE ELISHA KNEW THE PLANS OF THE KING AS IF HE WAS LISTENING IN ON THERE BATTLE STRATEGY. THINK OF THE EFFECT ONE MAN WHO SERVED GOD AND PRAYED AND HAD A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD WAS ABLE TO STAND IN THE GAP AND GIVE GOOD COUNSEL TO THE KING OF ISRAEL -WE KNOW THE STORY OF WHEN THE SERVANT OF ELISHA LOOKED OUT AND SAW THE ENEMY HOST ENCAMPED AROUND THE CITY. AND HE SAID - ALAS MY MASTER - HOW SHALL WE DO? AND ELISHA WHO HAS A RELATIONSHIP AND CONNECTION TO GOD - SAID - LORD - OPEN HIS EYES THAT HE MAY SEE - AND THE YOUNG MANS EYES WERE OPENED AND HE SAW - BEHOLD THE MOUNTAIN WAS FULL OF HORSES AND CHARIOTS OF FIRE ROUND ABOUT ELISHA.

CAN WE RELATE TO THIS SITUATION - THE EVIL SEEMS TO BE ALL AROUND AND IN CONTROL AND OVER POWERING THE GOOD AS WE LOOK AROUND IN THE WORLD TODAY. ONLY BY STUDYING AND KNOWING THE TRUTH OF GODS WORD - FOLLOWING HIS COMMANDMENTS WILL WE BE ABLE TO LOOK TO THE LORD AND SEE THAT HIS HOST ARE ROUND ABOUT US AND IF WE HUMBLE OURSELVES AND OBEY HIM THAT WE CAN BARE THE TESTIMONY THAT GOD IS NOT DEAD - BUT ALIVE AND IN FULL CONTROL OF EVERY SITUATION IF WE CALL UPON HIM TO REVEAL HIS WILL FOR OUR LIVES.

ONE MORE GROUP OF PEOPLE WE NEED TO REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR IS OUR ENEMIES - WE SEE JESUS’S TEACHING ON THIS IN Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

I WAS CHALLENGED BY THIS THE OTHER WEEK - I THOUGHT SOMEONE HAD MISTREATED ME AND TOOK ADVANTAGE OF A SITUATION - AND THE NEXT MORNING THIS WAS THE VERSE IN MY DEVOTIONS - AND YOU KNOW - WHEN YOU PRAY SPECIFICALLY FOR SOMEONE IT CHANGES THE WAY YOU FEEL ABOUT THEM - YOU NO LONGER SEE THEM AS AN ENEMY AND MISTREATED - BUT AS A SOUL WHO NEEDS THE LOVE OF GOD IN THEIR LIFE - WHICH MADE IT EASY TO FORGIVE AND FORGET THEIR TRESPASS. PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS POWERFUL LOVE - WE ALSO HAVE THE ACCOUNT OF STEPHEN WHO FOLLOWED THIS TEACHING UNTO DEATH. Acts 7:59–60 “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” WHAT A POWERFUL PRAYER TESTIMONY THAT STEPHEN GAVE AN EXAMPLE OF!

ANOTHER GROUP OF PEOPLE WE ARE TO PRAY FOR ARE THE SICK - IN James 5:14–15 “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” I BELIEVE THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY BLESSING WE TAKE FOR GRANTED FOR BEING APART OF CHURCH OF CHRIST - THE CHURCH FAMILY BEING READY AND WILLING TO PRAY AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER. GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU AS YOU PUT INTO PRACTICE OF PRAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER.

IN CLOSING -THE LAST GROUP WE WILL LOOK AT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER AND OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS - THE FAMILIAR VERSES IN Ephesians 6:18 -20 THE NIV SAYS IT THIS WAY - AND PRAY IN THE SPIRIT ON ALL OCCASIONS WITH ALL KINDS OF PRAYERS AND REQUEST. WITH THIS IN MIND, BE ALERT AND ALWAYS KEEP ON PRAYING FOR ALL THE SAINTS. PRAY ALSO FOR ME, THAT WHENEVER I OPEN MY MOUTH, WORDS MAY BE GIVEN ME SO THAT I WILL FEARLESSLY MAKE KNOWN THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL. FOR WHICH I AM AN AMBASSADOR IN CHAINS. PRAY THAT I MAY DECLARE IT FEARLESSLY, AS I SHOULD.

THE WORDS OF PAUL ARE STILL RELEVANT TODAY FOR US AS A CHURCH HERE AT NEW HAVEN - ONLY WHEN WE PRAY IN THE SPIRIT - ACCORDING TO GODS WILL - SO THAT HE CAN GIVE US THE WORDS TO SPEAK FEARLESSLY SO THAT THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL CAN BE MADE KNOWN. PAUL WAS REMINDING US THAT MUCH PRAYER IS NEEDED TO DECLARE THE GOSPEL.

AS WE STRIVE FOR INTENTIONAL CHRISTIAN LIVING - DOING ON PURPOSE WHAT CHRIST WOULD HAVE US TO DO EVERYDAY ALL DAY.

THEN LET US TAKE OUR TEXT VERSE FOR THIS MORNING AND REMEMBER IT THIS WEEK: Philippians 4:6–7“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” SO THAT AS OUR HEART AND MIND IS KEPT THROUGH CHRIST TILL WE ARE SAFE AT HOME IN HEAVEN WITH HIM.

KNEEL FOR PRAYER.

Ephesians 3:20–21 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”