TODAY IN THE WORD

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Read: Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. - Hebrews 4:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.–Ephesians 3:20–21

In addition to humility and faith–our focus for the past two days–Scripture also teaches the need for persistence in prayer. We often hear of missionaries praying for certain people groups for decades or of individuals praying for another’s salvation for years.

In today’s passages from Luke, Jesus drew upon real-life situations and used contrast to illustrate this kind of persistent prayer. If even a reluctant neighbor and an unfair judge can be persuaded to respond, how much more will the Father in heaven, who is neither reluctant nor unfair, be willing to give?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Persistence in prayer runs counter to the instantaneous, noncommittal world in which we live. Why would we ever need to ask God for something more than once?

If we view prayer as simply a means to get something, then, of course, repeatedly petitioning the Lord makes no sense. It’s only when we focus on prayer as a relationship with our Heavenly Father that we understand that continually bringing our requests to Him deepens our dependence and devotion to Him.

Persistence in prayer, especially over years, is hard. Here are some suggestions to encourage you. First, meditate on today’s passages from Luke and on Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Second, seek out a prayer partner. Just as persistent prayer deepens our relationship with the Father, so too continued prayer strengthens our relationships with other believers. Finally, read about examples of persistent prayer such as Jim Elliot or George Müller--we can learn much through the spiritual maturity and prayers of other believers.

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Read: John 17:1-26; Romans 8:15-17, 26-27
Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” - Galatians 4:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Our Father: At this name love is aroused in us . . . and the confidence of obtaining what we are about to ask. . . . What would he not give to his children who ask, since he had already granted them the gift of being his children?–Augustine

Sometimes children–and adults–just wish they could see God. The disciples felt the same way; that’s why Jesus said that anyone who had seen Him had seen the Father (John 14:9). Through the gospel accounts, we not only “see” the Father as we see Jesus, but we also see how Jesus related to the Father. And because we are now children of God, Jesus’ relationship with His Father teaches us a great deal about prayer.

For one thing, prayer characterized Jesus’ life. He prayed before meals, before healings, and before miracles, such as the raising of Lazarus. He prayed for His disciples and He prayed for those who would come to believe through them. He wrestled in prayer before the Father as He faced the cross. In short, Jesus’ life was–and is–a continual prayer, or conversation, with the Father.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In her book Prayer: Conversing with God,Rosalind Rinker writes, “Prayer is the expression of the human heart in conversation with God. The more natural the prayer, the more real he becomes. It has all been simplified for me to this extent: Prayer is a dialogue between two persons who love each other.”

In our study, we’ve emphasized this same point: prayer is about relationship between God and His children. Yet conversation with God may not feel as comfortable as with other people. We may not feel the same freedom to express our doubts or anger to God or may feel we have to say the right thing. The following words by D. L. Moody are particularly encouraging here: “Sometimes when your child talks, your friends cannot understand what he says; but the mother understands very well. So if our prayer comes from the heart, God understands our language.”

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Read: Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-4
Lord, teach us to pray. - Luke 11:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.–Matthew 6:9–13

It’s hardly surprising that the most remarkable prayer in history was uttered by Jesus! Countless believers have contemplated this prayer, written about it, and even put it to music.

To begin, “Our Father,” shows that this prayer is rooted in community and in relationship. The unbelievable privilege of calling God “Father” still requires that His glory and His holy name be completely honored (v. 9). Verse 10 asks that the Kingdom of God, having entered human history in Jesus’ incarnation, continue its saving work until it is ultimately consummated on earth–when all creation will conform to God’s perfect will.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Did you notice that Jesus said that this prayer was “how” we were to pray, not simply “what” we were to pray? (Matt. 6:9). Of course, it is a great blessing to recite this prayer and if you haven’t already memorized it, now is a great time to do so. Yet we miss a lot if we stop there.

There are many ways to use this prayer as an example. Begin by meditating on what each line means and what the “core” of each petition is. For example, “hallowed be your name” means that God’s name should be treated as holy. Ask God to show you ways you might have dishonored His name, such as using it in vain.

Similarly, reflect on what it means to trust God for daily bread–the popularity of large freezers can make this more difficult! So you might pray that the Lord would reveal your daily dependence on Him or reflect on your freedom to bring even the most basic requests to Him. You could also pray for those without daily bread.

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Read: John 14:6-14; 16:23-28; 1 John 5:13-15
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. - John 16:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.–The Book of Worship

It’s quite common for people to close a prayer with the phrase “in Jesus’ name.” This is certainly a fitting conclusion to prayer, but it’s also possible to say this phrase without really thinking about all that it means.

For one thing, to act “in the name of” someone is to do an action as that person would perform it. For example, ambassadors act on behalf of their country and have been authorized by their heads of state to do certain things. Similarly, to pray in the name of Jesus is to pray as Jesus would pray–according to His will and under His authority. Today’s passage from 1 John states this connection quite clearly.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you’ve had someone tell you that concluding a prayer with “in Jesus’ name” somehow guarantees the answer to your prayer. Some have even wondered if God honors prayers that don’t end with this phrase. Such an understanding of prayer can border on the manipulative or superstitious and seems to miss out on the privilege and responsibility that comes with praying in Jesus’ name.

Look back over today’s passages from John and 1 John. Note how each occurrence of praying in the name of Jesus is used. How is Jesus’ relationship with the Father described? How are prayer and God’s will linked? How are prayer and obedience linked? Is praying in the name of Jesus a “blank check,” as some people have suggested?

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Read: Psalms 96, 148; Revelation 5:9-13
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. - Psalm 145:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Receive, O Lord my God, my wishes and desires for giving thee infinite praise, and blessing that hath no bounds, which, according to the measure of thine ineffable greatness, are most justly due unto thee. These praises I render unto thee, and desire to render every day and every moment.–Thomas À Kempis

Each day for the next two weeks we will consider a different type of prayer, although most prayers combine many types. We begin today with praise, because other types of prayer often lead to praise and worship of our Lord.

As you read through today’s psalms, you may have noticed that the focus was on the character of God–who He is. Tomorrow, we will look at thanksgiving prayers, which tend to focus on the work of God–what He does. Clearly, however, praise and thanksgiving are intertwined, as today’s passage from Revelation shows. It’s hard to separate praise for God’s glory from thanksgiving for the Lamb’s sacrifice!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Despite that we were created to praise God and we are nourished when we do, many Christians spend little time praising God. Some-times we think we must feel like praising God in order to do so. But praise often brings us to a place of sincere worship of God.

Praise is a habit to be nurtured, which you can start today by spending ten to fifteen minutes simply praising God. Perhaps you’ve never used a hymnal as the basis for prayer, but many hymns are filled with praise to our Savior. Two verses from a well-known hymn are printed below. As you read the lyrics, let your heart praise your faithful God–perhaps even in song and with raised hands. You may find that your own song of praise “interrupts” this hymn! If so, praise the Lord with your own song of praise.

We sing the greatness of our God / That made the mountains rise, That spread the flowing seas abroad / And built the lofty skies. We sing the wisdom that ordained / The sun to rule the day; The moon shines full at His command, And all the stars obey.

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Read: Psalm 136; Luke 17:11-19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs . . . always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 5:19–20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us . . . and we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful . . . through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . Amen.–The Book of Common Prayer

It seems that one of the hardest things to teach children–and adults–is to say “thank you.” Modern advertising doesn’t help. Have you ever considered how ads usually prompt dissatisfaction with what we have and direct our focus on what we don’t have?

Ingratitude characterizes the fallen human condition. Consider the account of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed in Luke 17:11–19. Although Jesus healed ten men, only one returned to thank Him–a fact that Jesus found quite remarkable (vv. 12–18). Even though the other nine were healed physically, they missed the spiritual blessing that came to the one with a grateful heart.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Someone once said, “The key to life is to be thankful.” There’s much truth in these simple words!

Thankfulness can correct bad attitudes and redirect our focus to God. Yet, like many other disciplines, gratitude must be cultivated. Ole Hallesby suggests that believers begin with tangible things, such as food and clothing. “Begin with these things and you will notice that it will become easier for you to see and to give thanks for the spiritual gifts.”

With this in mind, thank the Lord for at least ten things in your life today, including things that you might take for granted, such as good health or a steady job. As you consider His material blessings, also thank the Lord for all that is in your life because of His gift of salvation, such as forgiveness of sins and assurance of eternal life.

Gratitude often has the effect of increasing our faith. As we thank the Lord for answered prayer, we are strengthened to bring more things to His throne of grace. Why not start a prayer “log” today, if you don’t already keep one. As you list specific prayer requests, leave room for future answers to these prayers.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 1:8-9; Psalm 119:89-104
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. - Psalm 77:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Lord, you have promised to meet those who seek your face. Come now and reveal your presence to me as I make myself present to you. . . . Amen.–A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants

Sometimes Christians feel uncomfortable with meditation, perhaps due to New Age forms of meditation. But meditation simply means to reflect deeply on something. The Bible is filled with exhortations to meditate on God’s Word and works, and the history of the church records numerous examples of men and women who heeded this call to contemplate God’s Word. There is much we can learn from this approach to prayer that includes sustained reflection on our Lord and His Word.

For one thing, meditation is not a mindless repetition of certain phrases, but an intense concentration on God and His ways. Scriptural exhortations to meditate are always directed toward God’s deeds, laws, or promises. For another thing, true meditation is not a flight from the world. Thomas Merton wrote, “Meditation has no point unless it is firmly rooted in life.”
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The psalmist exclaimed, “I meditate on [your law] all day long” (Ps. 119:97). Let’s consider several approaches to meditation.

Sometime today if possible, set aside fifteen to twenty minutes for solitude and meditation. Choose a short section of Scripture, perhaps from today’s Psalm, and read it slowly several times. If distractions come up, ask the Lord for focus as you reread your chosen passage. As you silently dwell on the passage, ask the Lord to speak to you from this passage. Try to keep focused on His Word and His presence. At the end of your time of meditation, consider writing down things the Lord may have revealed to you.

Another way to meditate on Scripture is to use your imagination to consider the feelings and thoughts of people in the passage. For example, as you read today’s passage from Joshua, imagine how it would feel to face a formidable opponent following the death of an incredible leader like Moses. How might the Lord’s promises have particularly encouraged Joshua? Why was it important for Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law? What did the promised land look like?

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Read: 1 Kings 19:1-18; Psalm 46
Then Samuel said [to the Lord], “Speak, for your servant is listening.” - 1 Samuel 3:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of thee . . . I simply present myself before thee, I open my heart to thee. . . . I am silent; I offer myself in sacrifice; I yield myself to thee; I would have no other desire than to accomplish thy Will. Teach me to pray. Pray thyself in me. Amen.–François Fénelon

Ole Hallesby shares a significant incident in his book, Prayer. Although his young son knew that he was not supposed to disturb his father during work hours, the boy nevertheless came into his father’s office one day and said, “Papa, dear, I will sit still all the time if you will only let me be here with you!”

For many of us, however, simply wanting to “sit still” with the Lord may not be our daily experience. We are more comfortable doing things for God and speaking to Him than simply listening to Him.

Sometimes we aren’t even sure how to listen to God. The Lord spoke to Elijah in “a gentle whisper” (v. 12), but we may prefer a great shout! Our culture suggests that “louder is better” and more important.
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We can hear the Lord in a variety of ways–directly through the ministry of the Holy Spirit or indirectly through other people or circumstances. Most often, however, we hear Him in conjunction with His Word, either through the words in the Bible itself or in prayer as we seek to understand His Word.

Although the busyness of our lives and our own fears of silence may make us feel uncomfortable to simply come before the Lord in silence, great blessing comes when we do. Find some time today, when you know you won’t be interrupted, to come quietly before the Lord, silently reading through Psalm 46.

Slowly read the psalm, waiting quietly after each line to take in what the Lord has said to you from His Word. Pause and reflect on His truth. Don’t worry if you feel silly or if you don’t “hear” anything. In some ways, being silent before the Lord is like a human relationship: the better we know someone, the more comfortable we feel being silent with that person. Our ability to sit silently before Him increases as our relationship with Him deepens.

You may want to begin with this prayer:

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Read: Psalms 32, 51
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”–and you forgave the guilt of my sin. - Psalm 32:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
O merciful heart of God, grant me yet again thy forgiveness. Hear my sorrowful tale and in thy great mercy blot it out from the book of thy remembrance. Give me faith so to lay hold of thine own holiness and so to rejoice in the righteousness of Christ my savior . . . Amen.–John Baillie, A Diary of Private Prayer

True forgiveness of sin sets Christianity apart from other religions, for only Christianity teaches that God was willing to become human to pay the price for human sin forever. Not surprisingly then, confession of sin is central to the gospel, beginning with John the Baptist and continuing throughout the entire New Testament.

Confession begins with honestly acknowledging our sin. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) shows how eager God is to forgive and receive His children. Consider the promise of 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Psalm 51 records David’s contrition, confession, and restoration after his sin with Bathsheba. If there is a sin in your life that needs to be confessed, consider using Psalm 51 as the basis for a prayer of confession.

First, you may want to write down the specific sin(s) for which you seek forgiveness; this will help you focus as you pray. Then pray through Psalm 51, line by line. For example, as you read of David’s cry for mercy (v. 1), make that cry your own, resting in God’s unfailing love. As you work through the psalm, allow the Holy Spirit to speak His truth into your heart and cleanse and restore you. Consider also sharing your confession with another person–notice the communal nature of Psalm 51.

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Read: Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-35
Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Christ Jesus, you did not come to earth to judge the world but so that through you, the Risen Lord, every human being might be saved and reconciled. And when the love that forgives burns with a Gospel flame, the heart, even when beset by trials, can begin to live again. –Taizé, Prayer for Each Day

Clearly God takes forgiveness of sin quite seriously! If He was willing to send His Son to die on the cross, we can be certain that we should also take seriously His command to be forgiving of one another. Indeed, Scripture teaches that an unwillingness to forgive and show compassion on our part hinders our own ability to receive forgiveness from the Lord (Matt. 6:14) and hinders our prayers (1 Peter 3:7). “Hostility and an unforgiving spirit are acids which destroy our capacity to worship and pray,” writes Bingham Hunter.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When a person is deeply wronged, forgiveness can be difficult. Here are a few steps that may help on the journey to forgiveness and healing. First, acknowledge that sin is evil, and allow yourself to grieve. Second, look to the cross as the place where all sin has been dealt with. Finally, remember all that Jesus has forgiven you and pray for release through forgiveness for the transgressions committed against you.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” says Romans 15:5–6.

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Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 4:6-
Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. - Psalm 55:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Lord, teach me to pray, with a faith in your goodness that believes for the answers; with a love for your will that cleanses my askings. Amen.–Bob Benson Sr. and Michael W. Benson, Disciplines for the Inner Life

Children learn to ask their parents for things. Some requests, such as a glass of water before bed, usually are granted; other requests, such as staying up all night, usually are not. In a similar way, Christians come to understand that they can ask their Heavenly Father for anything. Of course, some may look to God only for things, as if God were some heavenly genie, but most believers rightly understand that petitionary prayer is a privilege of God’s children. (In petition, we ask God concerning ourselves; in intercession–see March 23 and 24–we ask God on behalf of others.)

Our Father wants us to petition Him: “Ask and it will be given to you” and “. . . how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:7, 11). Richard Foster calls petition “our staple diet.”
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Petitionary prayer reveals our dependence on God and deepens our intimacy with Him. This explains why we need to ask Him for things He already knows we need. The act of asking draws us to Him and pleases Him.

Because petitionary prayer is not just about getting something from God, bringing our requests before God can strengthen our faith and purify our hearts. This last point is important because Christians sometimes worry about bringing requests before the Lord that may not be “right.”

Yet as P. T. Forsyth writes, “Petitions that are less than pure can only be purified by petition.” That’s why a prayer journal or log, such as the one suggested on March 14, is a good tool not only for recording the Lord’s answers to our prayers but also for revealing how He is changing our hearts in the process.

Sometimes, however, anxiety or fear about a situation may hinder us from bringing our petitions to the Lord. If this applies to you, consider writing Philippians 4:6–7 on a card and carrying it with you during the day. Because confusion often accompanies anxiety, write out your anxious thoughts and translate them into petitions you can lay before the Lord.

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Read: Psalm 25; James 1:5
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior. - Psalm 25:4–5
TODAY IN THE WORD
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldst have us to do, that the spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.–The Book of Common Prayer

Sometimes discerning God’s will is not easy. The starting point, however, is to come to the Lord in prayer. And God promises to give wisdom (James 1:5).

Prayers for guidance often concern specific decisions. God’s Word must be at the core of such decisions, for we know that God will not lead us contrary to His own Word. The counsel and prayers of mature Christians who know us well are helpful. And because the Lord often reveals His will through circumstances, we should pray for increased awareness of the Holy Spirit’s leading.
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In his book on prayer, Bingham Hunter lists six steps that help as we pray for God’s guidance. First, beware of the media’s role in clouding our understanding of God’s will, particularly how the media often confuses needs and wants. Second, make Bible reading and study a priority. Third, take seriously the need for obedience. “Basic Christian obedience is essential to praying according to God’s will.” Fourth, keep in mind that God’s will for your life is not the same as His will for other peoples’ lives. Fifth, learn from others, especially more mature Christians. And finally, pray for others and ask them to pray for you.

As you work through these six steps, remember God’s promise in James 1:5 to provide wisdom to those who ask. You may want to include some time praying through Psalm 25 or the following prayer for guidance.

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Read: Psalms 46, 116
Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, save me!” - Psalm 116:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Write thy blessed name, O Lord, upon my heart, there to remain so indelibly engraven, that no prosperity, no adversity shall ever move me from thy love. Be thou to me a strong tower of defense, a comforter in tribulation, a deliverer in distress, a very present help in trouble, and a guide to heaven through the many temptations and dangers in this life. Amen.–Thomas À Kempis

Psalm 40 contains striking references to enemies and their destruction (vv. 14–15). Many psalmists often faced physical death, so it’s not surprising to find bold prayers for protection in the Psalms. We may not face such harrowing physical experiences, but our lives are filled with nonphysical enemies that plague us, such as depression, anger, lust, fear, and bitterness.

The stark portrayal of enemies and the confidence in the Lord’s deliverance make the Psalms a prayer book for those who seek protection, whether from physical dangers, emotional threats, or spiritual enemies.
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The most effective prayers for protection need not be long. Consider the simple “Lord, save me!” recorded in today’s verse and uttered by millions throughout the ages. Often in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances this is all we can truly pray. In such times, the Lord’s promise “I will be with you always” (Matt. 28:20) is a profound assurance.

How has God protected or delivered you in the past? Consider using these experiences as the basis for your own psalm praising God for His protection. Perhaps you are experiencing a trial at this time and you desire the Lord’s protection as you travel or face a treacherous situation at work. The Psalms are really songs–you could write your prayer as a song to God, asking for His protection and deliverance. The following prayer may also help give words to your prayer.

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Read: 2 Kings 20:1-7; Psalm 86
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. - Psalm 147:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the strong name of Jesus Christ I stand against the world, the flesh, and the devil. . . . I reject the distorted concepts and ideas that make sin plausible and desirable. I oppose every attempt to keep me from knowing full fellowship with God. . . . These things I pray for the sake of him who loved me and gave himself for me. Amen.–Richard Foster, Prayer

There is a growing recognition in the medical community of the role of prayer in physical healing. Many medical professionals who have no other explanation for a patient’s recovery are willing to credit prayer.

As Christians, we shouldn’t be surprised by this close connection–today’s passage from 2 Kings records one such healing, and Jesus’ incarnational ministry was filled with healings. Also, the gospels show that physical and spiritual healing may be closely connected.
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In his book, Prayer,Richard Foster offers insights on physical healing, cautioning Christians to avoid the extremes of seeking medical means without prayer or seeking prayer while ignoring medical help. Foster documents miraculous healings, yet he frankly admits that healing is a mystery and discourages believers from blaming themselves when healing does not occur.

Foster outlines four steps for healing prayer, appropriate for both emotional and physical healing. First, listen.“We listen to people, and we listen to God” for more discernment. Second, pray.“This is the step of faith. As we come to clearness about what is needed, we invite God’s healing to come.” Third, believe.“This is the step of assurance. . . . We focus on [his] trustworthiness and especially on his steadfast love.” Fourth, give thanks.“This is the step of gratitude. . . . Gratitude is often very powerful.”

If you seek healing, consider also asking the elders of your church to pray for you, as outlined in James 5:14–15.

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Read: John 17:20-26; 1 Timothy 2:1-6
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. - 1 Timothy 2:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
O Lord, You lover of souls, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, I bring before You in my prayers all those who are lonely in this world. Yours they are, and none can pluck them out of Your hand. . . . For Your love’s sake. Amen.–Little Book of Prayers

“When we say to people, 'I will pray for you,’ we make a very important commitment,” writes Henri Nouwen. “The sad thing is that this remark often remains nothing but a well-meant expression of concern.” Intercessory prayer–prayer for others–is an important commitment and a profound way to love.

The greatest model of intercession we have is Jesus. Today’s passage from John shows us that He prayed for us during His time on earth, and Hebrews 7:25 says that He always lives to intercede for us. We also have the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us, translating our wordless prayers into petitions according to God’s will (Rom. 8:26–27).

Intercessory prayer is vital for unity in the Body. Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, “A Christian fellowship lives and exists by the intercession of its members for one another, or it collapses.
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Today’s passage from Timothy urges prayer for everyone–that’s pretty inclusive! Tomorrow we will discuss prayer for those in authority; today we focus on individuals in our lives.

Lists can be quite helpful for intercession, either to record petitions or to ensure that you don’t overlook individuals you wish to support in prayer, such as neighbors and coworkers. If you have children, ask them to make their own prayer lists for their friends and others in their lives. Also, many churches list prayer needs in the weekly bulletin or keep track of prayer requests in the church office. Consider bringing these petitions to the Lord as a family.