I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be made by all men....
1 TIMOTHY 2:1
WHY PRAY?
Paul wrote these instructions to Timothy having recognized the incredible "POWER OF PRAYER!" Nero reigned during the time of this writing, and Nero murdered and persecuted Christians along with many other men.
Before Paul's own conversion, he to participated in the persecution of Christians. He realized how effective prayers could be in changing a life and he wanted believers to not only pray for their desperate circumstances but to also pray for those in authority!
When we call upon God and implore His aid for both our own personal needs and the needs of others, God HEARS us!! Prayers keep our focus on God, right where our focal point should be!
Intercessions (I'll go into that tomorrow) specifically supplicates God on behalf of others. Thanksgiving requires active gratitude in the form of Worship!
FROM THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS
Adversities and obstacles are in everyone's lives, along with misfortune and hard times. Troublesome people will be in our neighborhood, our workplace, our families and even in our churches. Prayer in every respect is what will change our frustrations and circumstances!
Take a look at God's Word in Proverbs: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: for thou shalt reap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD SHALL REWARD THEE! PROVERBS 25:21-22
Today's worldly influences very often encourage us to get back at people who are spiteful and difficult -- but God wants us to pray for our enemies and to be kind to them! You may ask HOW can I be kind to someone who positively malicious to me??
Lift up your prayers on behalf of those that curse you, or use you, in order to win them to Jesus Christ! You're prayers could change lives -- YOURS and THEIRS!! And, their brand new life may turn into a greater witness than you could ever have imagined it would.
If you are a part of God's family - PRAYER IS NOT AN OPTION, it is not only our direct line to God - it is our saving grace, that marvelous redeeming Grace of God!
This incredible "POWER OF PRAYER" is our most
phenomenal and miraculous gift that will reach heaven
at any instantaneous moment we may need to talk with God!!
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