". . . I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message."
Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have. It opens the gates of heaven, takes us directly into the Throne Room of Grace, and knocks our enemies flat on their backs. Prayer protects us; guides us; strengthens us; encourages us; gives us peace; heals us; unifies us in the Body of Christ; keeps us humble; takes our eyes off of ourselves; and centers us in Christ; among other things. Prayer is mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. And yet we treat it lightly.
"I'll just add that to my prayer list for when I pray." "Say a prayer for me when you think of it." "Don't forget your prayers." We throw out these lines with almost no thought to just exactly what we're saying. Sad that we don't realize the power given us by the Holy Spirit through prayer.
In the upper room on the night Jesus was to be arrested, He prayed the prayer that is John 17. The first prayer He prayed was for Himself. The second prayer was for all of those who followed Him at that time. But His last prayer was for me. ME. Someone who would not be born for another 1,947 years. And, of course, you. He said "Father, I'm praying for the unity, for the protection, for the holiness of all those who will receive Me into their hearts because of the work of these disciples right now." THAT'S ME and YOU !!!! JESUS PRAYED FOR US !!!
I believe it was because of that prayer that I came to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and Master. I believe it is because of that prayer that I am continually strengthened in my day to day walk with Him. I believe that if there is never another prayer said for me on this earth, I am still covered and bathed in blessings because Jesus prayed for me then and is even now speaking to our Father for me. This just takes my breath away!!!! How great, how magnificent, how tender, is the Father's love for me . . . . . . . .
Should I never pray again because Jesus is taking care of the matter? Absolutely not!!! One good deed deserves another. We are to do as Jesus did, and that is pray for one another. Pay it forward or rather, pray it forward. Pass on the blessings. Magnify the Lord's Name by being deeply concerned for the spiritual life of our brothers and sister. I know we pray for our families, our children, grandchildren. But have you ever prayed for those of your lineage who will come after you that you will never see this side of eternity? Have you prayed for their salvation and spiritual endurance in times of trial and tribulation? Jesus did. So should we.
Prayer is simply a conversation WITH God, not to God. It is sharing. What have you talked with God about today? What did He tell you?
"Sweet, loving Jesus, thank you for praying for me, for covering me with Your grace and mercy. Bring to my mind a constant stream of those You know need prayer cover. Fill my heart with the words You want prayed for them. Holy Spirit, continually remind me to pray for all those who will come after me, who because of something I said or did encouraged them to receive Jesus into their hearts. Use me, Lord Jesus, to glorify Your Name in everything I think and say and do. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
1 Samuel 7:5
1 Kings 13:6
Isaiah 53:12
Romans 8:25-27
Hebrews 7:25
1 Timothy 2:1
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