June 3, 2013 (Proverbs 25-27; Romans 15)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:30 NLT
Observation: Paul asked his brothers and sisters in the faith to pray to God for him. He didn’t ask them to pray for comfort or rich provision; he asked them to join in his struggle by praying to God for Him. Too often we see prayer as a time of reflection or a time to make our request known unto God not realizing prayer is a mighty weapon of spiritual warfare. As believers we should intercede on behalf of others joining in the struggle that they must endure. Helping those in the ministry financially is good and needed, but joining in their struggle in sincere prayer is better. By joining in Paul’s struggle through prayer the other believers were actually fighting the good fight along side him.
Application: Do you ever pray for your pastor? Have you joined him in his struggle? I’m not speaking of a simple prayer that is self-centered and self-serving. I’m talking about a sacrificial prayer that forces you to submit and develop real convictions. I fear most believers value prayer with such a low regard because they spend such little time actually praying sincere prayers. What was the object and center focus of your last prayer? There’s a good chance it was more about you than anyone else. We can never learn the value of prayer until we understand how valuable prayer is. We will never understand how valuable prayer is until we join in on someone else’s struggle and sincerely pray for them.
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for being so selfish with my prayers. Encourage me to join in the struggles that others face by praying sincerely for them. Place the desire within my heart to truly care for those that labor among Your flock. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect us all everyday, in Jesus name, Amen!