The Power Of Intercessory Prayer Series

Paul wrote many of his letters from prison. He wrote to the Philippians that their prayers along with the help of Jesus Christ would deliver him. He put their prayers right up there on the same level as the help of Jesus. When they prayed for imprisoned Christians, they didn’t pray, “God help Paul to have a good day in prison.” They didn’t pray, “Lord, be with Peter in prison.” They prayed, ‘God send an earthquake to release Paul and Silas.’” They prayed, “God send an angel and escort Peter out of jail right in front of the jailers.’” But if you don’t believe God uses earthquakes and sends angels, you won’t ask Him for those things.

In His model prayer Jesus taught us to pray, Jesus taught us to pray: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13) When we memorized it in the King James, we prayed, “Deliver us from evil.” But the language is clear that Jesus is talking about a malevolent being named Satan who is dead-set on opposing God and everyone and everything that is holy.

Christians around the world are facing severe persecution. I’ve visited with missionary families in Saudi Arabia who are aware of the danger. They realize they could be arrested and thrown in jail. Our own missionary, James, in Pakistan faces continual danger. As Southern Baptists, we support almost 5,000 full-time missionaries overseas. And over 50% of them are now in countries that are closed—that means they can’t be there as missionaries. So, they’re living there as teachers, doctors, and businesspeople sharing their faith. We need to pray for their protection: specifically.

A Sunday School class of children was writing letters to missionaries. The teacher explained that missionaries were very busy, so the children shouldn’t be disappointed if the missionaries didn’t write them back. So one little boy wrote, “Dr. Mr. Smith. I’m glad you are a missionary. I am praying for you. I am not expecting an answer.” Are you like that? Praying generally for missionaries, but not expecting God to answer?

Even here in America, there are people out to oppose anyone who is standing up for Jesus Christ. Atheist and freedom-from-religion groups are trying to use the courts to muzzle the church.

We’re involved in spiritual warfare. Angels and demons aren’t just the name of a novel by Dan Brown. They’re real. Even Christians sometimes think those are mythological beings like dragons, fairies, and vampires. Wake up! We need to be praying specifically for the safety of everyone involved in sharing the gospel.

3. PRAY FOR HEARTS TO OVERFLOW WITH GOD’S LOVE

Paul not only asked them to pray specifically for him, he prayed specifically for them. He wrote, “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love.” It’s great to tell someone you’re praying for them, but it’s better to tell them WHAT you’re asking God to do in their lives.