TargetPoint Vol 15 of 31Today's Verse/Thought: INTERCESSION-Prayer Centered on Others
Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father which art in heaven . . .
Life Implication:
Just do it! Go for it! Grab the gusto! This is the lingo of our culture! DO YOUR OWN THING whatever it takes, no matter whom you might step on in the process.
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray it was clear the EMPHASIS WAS TO BE ON OTHERS. How do we marry this with the culture in which we live? Sounds like a road less traveled doesn't it?
The LORD'S PRAYER began with the word OUR. We were not taught to pray, My Father, but Our Father! Further in the prayer we see statements like give us, lead us, and forgive us. In the deepest sense, the prayer is a LOVE PRAYER. Every word is self-less. It cannot be prayed without deep compassion.
To keep our praying always centered on others, INTERCESSION SHOULD COME BEFORE expressing our own needs and wishes. Because Jesus realized we would periodically lapse into a spirit of selfishness, He taught us to
pray, Thy kingdom come, before praying, Give us this day our daily bread.
Life Application:
As you pray for others, NEVER BE TROUBLED by the fact that your knowledge of a need is somewhat limited. ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT to aid you in prayer so that your praying is as meaningful and intelligent as possible.
REMEMBER that all prayer, especially intercession, is a learning experience.
FAITH BUILDER IDEA: KEEP A JOURNAL of prayer requests for others. As time goes by, and you see answers to your prayers fulfilled, MAKE NOTE of the answer and the date by the prayer request. This becomes an exciting and FAITH BUILDING exercise as we see the Lord responding to the needs of others because of our prayers. And, it becomes a FOUNDATION OF FAITH as we then learn to request prayer for ourselves.
Lord, teach me to intercede . . .
Tomorrow In TargetPoint:
Petition, The Act of Personal Supplication