PRAYER OF ZEAL
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, June 6, 2023
1 Kings 19:13-14 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Then he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left, and they seek my life to take it away.”
INTRODUCTION
Elijah expressed his frustration and fear to God, feeling like he was the only one who was faithful to Him. Despite this, Elijah continued to trust in God and His plan for him. It is important to remember that even when we feel alone or overwhelmed, we can always turn to God for strength and guidance.
We are to pray to God for the Holy Spirit to fill us with His holy fire and ignite our hearts with a passion for His kingdom. God, Help us to boldly proclaim your truth and love to the world around us. May your Spirit inspire us to serve you with zeal and fervor rather than making us weary of doing good. Strengthen us in times of trial and give us the courage to stand firm in our faith. We pray that others may see your light shining brightly through our lives and be drawn closer to you. In Jesus' name, amen. May we also be reminded to extend grace and love to those around us, just as you have shown us. Help us reflect on your character and share your message of hope with those who are lost. May we never tire of doing good and always seek to honor you in all that we do.
Prayer of zeal refers to a passionate and fervent prayer that is filled with enthusiasm and a strong desire to serve God. Zeal, on the other hand, is a deep and intense feeling of devotion or enthusiasm towards a cause or belief. It is characterized by an unwavering commitment to one's faith and a willingness to go above and beyond in service to others.
1. FERVENT SPIRIT
Romans 12:11 says, "not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."
As we strive to be diligent and fervent in our service to the Lord, let us also remember to extend grace and compassion to those around us. May our actions and words reflect the love of Christ and inspire others to seek Him.
What does it mean to have a fervent spirit?
Having a fervent spirit means having a passionate and enthusiastic attitude toward serving God. It involves putting effort and energy into our relationship with Him and being eager to share His love with others.
A fervent spirit guides us in our daily interactions with others and gives us the courage to stand up for what is right. We pray that you will use us as instruments of your peace and love in a world that so desperately needs it. Amen.
We can see that Elijah was one of the people who had a successful victory over the false prophet Baal, and his unwavering faith in God allowed him to accomplish great things. May we also have the courage and faith to stand up for what is right, and may our actions inspire others to do the same. Let us be a beacon of hope and love in a world that can often feel dark and hopeless.
Elijah came to a point where the zeal of God was lost in him. Why? Because he became afraid and ran away from Queen Jezebel's threats. This shows that even the strongest of believers can experience moments of doubt and fear, but we must always remember to turn to God for strength and guidance.
Nehemiah 3:20 "After him, Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the angle to the doorway of the house of Eliashib the high priest."
Nehemiah reminds us of the importance of taking action and doing our part in the work of God, even in difficult times. We can find inspiration in the dedication and zeal shown by Baruch as he repaired the wall.
We can see that devotion, enthusiasm, and perseverance are essential qualities that we can learn from Baruch. Despite facing opposition and challenges, he remained committed to the task at hand and worked tirelessly to complete it. Let us strive to emulate his example in our own lives as we seek to serve God and make a positive impact in the world around us.
What kills the zeal in a believer's heart? However, there are certain things that can kill the zeal in a believer's heart, such as constant criticism and negativity, a lack of support and encouragement from others, and personal struggles and challenges that can make it difficult to stay motivated. It is important to recognize these obstacles and actively work to overcome them in order to maintain our passion for serving God.
2. PERSONAL STRUGGLES
Personal struggles and challenges can include health issues, financial difficulties, or family problems that can take a toll on our emotional and mental well-being. However, by seeking help from trusted friends, family members, or professionals and staying connected to God through prayer and worship, we can find the strength and resilience to overcome these obstacles and continue serving Him with joy and enthusiasm.
Part of the problems that we face in this regard is also due to the evil forces around us, which is why a lifestyle of prayer prepares believers for such eventualities and helps them stay on top of the situation.
Personal struggles are a problem as they deprive believers of their role in the edification of the church. It is important for believers to seek support and guidance from their fellow church members during these personal struggles. By doing so, they can receive the necessary encouragement and accountability to overcome their challenges and continue serving the church community.
1 Corinthians 14:12 “So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.”
This encourages believers to not only focus on their personal spiritual growth but also on building up the church community. By using their spiritual gifts for the benefit of others, believers can strengthen their faith and protect themselves from the negative influences of the world.
Some common spiritual gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. It is important for believers to identify their own spiritual gifts and use them to serve others within the church community.
This not only strengthens the church as a whole but also helps individuals grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God.
3. WHAT CAN BELIEVERS DO WITH SUCH REGARD IN DEALING WITH EVIL FORCES?
Believers can strengthen their faith through regular prayer and meditation on the Word of God. Additionally, seeking guidance and support from fellow believers can provide a sense of community and strength when facing spiritual battles.
Believers can also seek guidance and protection from spiritual leaders and mentors who have experience dealing with such forces. Additionally, practicing discernment and avoiding situations or activities that may invite negative spiritual influences can also be helpful.
Some verses that can provide comfort and guidance in times of spiritual warfare include Ephesians 6:12, James 4:7, and 1 Peter 5:8–9. These passages remind us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil, and they encourage us to resist the devil and stand firm in our faith.
One example is the apostle Paul, who faced many trials and tribulations but remained steadfast in his faith. He wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith."
Another example is Job, who lost everything he had but still trusted God. Despite the devil's attempts to break his faith, Job said in Job 13:15, "Though he slays me, yet will I trust in him." These examples show us that we too can overcome any obstacle and remain faithful to God.
What are the prayer points in this regard that believers can keep to align themselves with the will of God and overcome the enemy of the prayer zeal lifestyle?
One prayer point could be for strength and perseverance to stay committed to God even in difficult times. Another could be for discernment and wisdom to recognize the tactics of the enemy and resist them effectively. By regularly praying for these things, believers can stay aligned with God's will and overcome any obstacle that comes their way.
One biblical figure who demonstrated a prayerful attitude was Daniel, who prayed three times a day, even when it was illegal to do so. His commitment to prayer allowed him to receive divine wisdom and understanding, which helped him interpret dreams and visions. Similarly, believers today can also experience the benefits of a consistent prayer life by seeking God's guidance and direction in all areas of their lives. (Daniel 3:10).
Another example is Jesus, who often withdrew to pray and sought guidance from God before making important decisions. This shows that prayer is not just a religious obligation but a powerful tool for seeking wisdom and guidance from a higher power. By making prayer a regular part of our lives, we can gain clarity and insight into our own paths and purposes.
