Intercessory Prayer

Ephesians 6:18-19 “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all saints. And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.

Subject: Don’t Stop Praying

Paul is urging Timothy to tell the Ephesian church the importance of prayer. During this time there were false teachers telling the people that salvation was only for the Jews. In other words, the people thought that salvation was only for those considered to be in the elite group. We sometimes witness those that consider themselves elite even today and because of their education and social status don’t believe that they need God. There are people that think they have accomplished their success here on earth because of their ability. They Jews did not see the need to pray at all for the lost because they were still being governed by the law and didn’t know enough about God’s grace that was extended to everyone. Paul broke it down into four (4) different types of prayer: supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving thanks.

Prayer is a habit when we become mature Christians.

Becoming mature is when we reach the most advanced stage in a process. Another definition of mature is becoming fully developed. How many can honestly say they are seeking to become fully developed in serving the Lord. We are living in difficult times that only God can change but seeking Him wholeheartedly is the key. The prayer of faith will get results from God.

A prayer of supplication is when you ask God for a specific need.

The Greek word means “to lack,” “to be deprived or without.” Therefore, Paul was telling Timothy that those that don’t know Jesus have a need for salvation and we as believers should be praying that their eyes will be open to the truth. The Bible tells us in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” God is the truth and Satan is a liar, the Bible says he is the father of lies opposing God’s word.

Catena Aurea • John 8:31–36

John 8:31–36 NASB95

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. “The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

FSB • John 8:32

John 8:32 NASB95

and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

There are too many people living their own truth and not the truth of God. We should be praying that God will meet the need of those that are lost, and their eyes will be open to receive the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1 “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them.

Prayers of confession: is when we get intimate with God and draw nearer to Him. God is worthy of prayers of adoration and this happens when we reverence Him with strong devotion confessing our sin. When we confess our sin, the Bible says in 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.”

Prayers of intercession:Paul knows the importance for believers to pray on behalf of others on this Christian journey. The songwriter says “Somebody prayed for me and had me on their mind, they took the time to pray for me, he went on to say, I’m so glad they prayed for me. Prayer is the reason a lot of us are still here today. God is looking for a people that are praying from their heart. It is not about stirring up emotions and saying exciting words. My brothers and sisters, is it in your heart to serve the Lord? Do you walk with Him and talk with Him? “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer.”

Prayers of thanksgiving: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” We pray believing that God hears and answers the prayers of His people and He will answer our prayer. Even those that are not serving God when they find themselves in trouble call on the name of Jesus. In times of crisis people call on the Lord.