Monday, January 31, 2011

Marvelous Monday

Good Monday to you all!  We had an awesome weather weekend that was almost like Spring!  God just likes to tease us a little here and there I think.  This Monday I am marveled at the privilege that we've been given as believers to pray for the lost.  Our church is starting a 40 day of prayer journey that is focused on praying for the lost.  We've even got a book on it (there's a book for everything you know) called Praying Effectively for the Lost by Lee Thomas.
I must first confess that I just got the book yesterday and glanced at it.  But I plan to start reading it today.  One of the things I did read while skimming over it yesterday was the fact that, as Christians, it is our responsibility to pray for the lost:
'Jesus only did what He saw His Father doing (John 5:19).  Likewise, we should only do what we see our Lord doing, and what He is doing-"He ever liveth to make intercession" (Hebrews 7:25).   We make a grave mistake by labeling some Christians as intercessors.  This tends to imply that the rest of us are relieved of the responsibility-NOT SO!  All of us are to do what we see our Lord doing-praying for others'.  (Quoting Lee Thomas)

What a humbling thought.  I never thought about it that way.  Sure I'd pray that so and so would come to know the Lord, but never really thought that my prayer could make a difference.  I'm looking forward to what these 40 days will bring.  Maybe a little nervous that He'll put someone in my path that needs to know Him.  I say nervous because I've never led anyone else to Christ and wonder if I'd know what to say!  But I know if He wills me to speak to someone and He has opened their heart to receive His word that He'll give me the right thing to say.

Isn't that the reason that I am here in the first place?  Well, besides to glorify Him.  But in leading others into His kingdom I am glorifying Him in one of the greatest ways possible!  I'll let you know what other insights I gain when I finish reading the book.  And you know I'll be sure to share what the outcome of the 40 days of prayer are for myself as well as our church family!
'
'Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.'  James 5:16

 


3 comments:

Kelli said...

That sounds like a great thing to do as a church family. I believe God burdens our hearts for the lost as believers. You are right though I definately need to be praying more for those who are lost. Our pastor suggested last year that we pray for a specific person who is lost and see what God does. That was a great thing to do. When I pray those specific, courageous prayers, that's when I live in anticipation of God's reply. Happy Monday!

Phather Phil Malmstrom said...

What a wonderful Prayer Focus your church has undertaken Allison. You also make a good point; Sometimes it gets away from our radar to focus prayers on those that truly need that intervention the most!

Have a Blessed Day!

Debbie Dillon said...

You are fired up, girl! You sound very enthusiastic about this 40-day venture - you've got me excited to see what God's going to do with this, too!!!! How wonderful. Yeah, I'm right there with you...a little worried about God putting me in the hot seat to potentially bring someone to Him. You're right, though. It's what we're called to do. I've no doubt the Lord will supply your words. Take care and keep those prayers going. God Bless :)