“…I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence…”1 Timothy 2:1 (NKJV)
Over the years I have been opportune to handle several prayer services and something I noticed in these services is that people only like to pray for themselves and nothing else. Whenever you raise prayer points for the nations, or for those in authority or for a group of people, they don’t take it so seriously. They will pray quite alright, but they are usually not as fervent during these prayer segments like the way they used to be fervent when you raise a prayer point that has to do with their personal life. To make matters worse, the only time they pray for others is only when such prayer points are raised in church. When they get home, all they pray about is everything that has to do with them and their family. And they do this, week in, week out. In most cases this kind of prayer pattern could go on for months which is not necessarily a bad idea because they are praying at least. But the challenge here is that this kind of prayer pattern is selfish and not balanced. It is a one-sided prayer pattern that will get you nowhere over time. When all you do is pray for yourself alone, you will never get the reward of prayer for others because you don’t pray for them. Whether you like it or not, there is reward that comes to you when you always engage in the prayers of intercession. And guess what, this reward will never come to you, even though you have been a Christian for many years, or you are the most spiritual person. As long as you do not lift others up in the place of prayer, this blessing will never rest in your life.
So, as you journey in your Christian walk, I want to encourage you to bring a balance to your prayer life, by taking out some times to pray for others as well. Paul the Apostle, in our opening text, said, “…I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence…”1 Timothy 2:1 (NKJV). Did you see that? This lets us know that we are obligated to actually pray for others. And when you do, your labor of love will certainly be rewarded, for it is written, “…God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown His people…” Hebrews 6:10 (CEV). So, get to work and begin today to intercede for other people. Interestingly, when you do it committedly, God Himself will begin to show you things and people you should pray for. And when you do this, the rewards of intercessions begin to manifest in your life in a grand style. Hallelujah!
TODAY’S RHEMA
When you spend time and energy to pray for others, the rewards of intercessions mantle your life!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
By the mercies of God, I have received a new understanding regarding intercession, therefore I declare today that the grace to intercede daily is mightily at work in me and as I intercede, I receive strength to intercede more in the name of Jesus. Amen!
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