THE SIN OF NOT PRAYING FOR OTHERS!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY OCTOBER 26, 2021.

SUBJECT: THE SIN OF NOT PRAYING FOR OTHERS!

Memory verse: "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.” (First Samuel 12 vs 23.)

READ: Ephesians 6 vs 18; Colossians 1 vs 3. 9 - 12:

Ephesians 6:18; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the Saints—

Colossians 1:3: We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

1:9: For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

1:10: that you may walk worthy of the Lord. fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 

1:11: strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 

1:12: giving thanks to the Father who has  qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

INTIMATION:

Prayer is the master key we use to free ourselves from the bondage of all form of afflictions of the enemy, and for the restoration of our beauty in Christ. It’s the kingdom’s force of deliverance from afflictions, and restoration of our glorious destiny. Necessity is laid on us to pray, not only for ourselves, but also for others, both believers and unbelievers, that is interceding for others in prayer. Consequently, we are enjoined to pray or intercede for others’ needs—physical, spiritual, and/or material.

Is failing to pray for others a sin? Samuel’s words in our anchor Scripture seem to indicate that it is. His actions illustrate two of God’s people’s responsibilities: (1)!They should pray consistently for others, and (2) they should teach others the right way to God. Although Samuel didn’t agreed with the Israelites’ demand for a king, but he assured them that he would continue to pray for them and teach them. We may disagree with others, but we shouldn’t stop praying for them. 

There is a misconception that only certain people are called or gifted to be intercessory prayer warriors. There are people in our churches and our lives who seem to have that special intimate connection with God. They are relentless when it comes to praying for others. The truth is we are all called to pray for others.

In Ezekiel 22 vs 30, God is searching for those who would stand in the gap, to intercede for others. The invitation is for all Christians to serve through intercessory prayer. Praying for others is not a choice; it is our privilege.  

Whether we believe it or not, we are all equipped to be prayer warriors on behalf of others. We are heirs with Christ. We are adopted sons and daughters and therefore possess the same power and access to God that our Savior enjoys. We can whisper, or cry out, and offer our requests to our Heavenly Father, and He hears us. Sharing in the inheritance of Jesus, we are called high priests with a direct connection to God and an opportunity to offer up prayers on behalf of family, friends, neighbors, government officials, and our nation. The words do not have to be perfect, only spoken through love and trust in a God who hears and answers. 

It is easy to pray for those we know, and chances are that we might know the needs of people we know. But sometimes we wonder how to pray for those we don’t know and have never met. In the passage we read today, the apostle Paul had never met the Colossians, but he faithfully prayed for them. His prayers teach how to pray for others, whether we know them or not. We can request that they: 

(1) understand what God wants them to do, 

(2) gain spiritual wisdom, 

(3) honor and please God, 

(4) produce every kind of good fruit, 

(5) learn to know God better and better, 

(6) be strengthened with God’s glorious power, (7) have great endurance and patience, 

(8) be filled with joy, and 

(9) give thanks always. 

All believers have these same basic needs. When you don’t know how to pray for someone, use Paul’s prayer pattern for the Colossians. Now, imagine how many people in your life could be touched if you prayed in this way? Actually the best way to influence someone is to pray for him or her. 

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the excellent spirit of prayer and supplication with thanksgiving in all things, give me the grace Vic interceding for others in prayer that I may not sin against You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!