…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
(Ephesians 6:18 NKJV)
Hello visiting friends and followers,
I’d like to introduce a new feature and I do hope you will not only enjoy reading the posts in this new category but will also participate in the prayers.
On checking my dictionary today for the definition of “supplication”, I learned that it is a humble and earnest request made to someone for something. Further, I discovered that the word has Latin origins (supplicare, supplicatum), meaning “to kneel”.
Perhaps the idea of offering supplications seems a little alien to you but, if you were to cast your mind back to some of those old fashioned films, you might recall seeing a king, or some other figure of authority seated upon a throne, and a subject kneeling before that person to beg for their own life or the life of someone else, or to plead for a favour on behalf of another.
Indeed, in the Bible, we read of a situation, where Haman who had plotted to exterminate the Jews, finds the tables turned upon himself and in desperation he offers supplications to Queen Esther, pleading that she save his life (see Esther 7:7).
As children of God, we have a Heavenly Father to whom we can address our prayers and offer our supplications. As members of the Body of Christ, we clearly have a responsibility towards one another, as indicated by Paul in Ephesians 6:18 (see above quote).
I want to be obedient and I also want to encourage others to obey God in this regard. Now if you are already faithfully praying for all saints, then that’s wonderful. Continue your good work. I’d consider it a real honour, if you would also join in with this initiative.
However, if you are a born-again believer and this is not the case for you (i.e. you have neglected your prayer life), then whoever you are, wherever you are and at whatever time you choose, will you commit to praying regularly for other saints, as directed by Paul?
I believe there is no distance in the realm of the spirit and so I open this invitation to anyone who’d like to join their pleas to God, with mine. Will you pray with me? Will you offer God your earnest supplications alongside me and others?
I’ll endeavour once per week to bring the focus and a sample prayer. You can use this to pray verbatim, or adapt it, or even (here’s a blog challenge), construct your own and link to this post. Please note, you do not have to be a blogger to participate.
Now please don’t be alarmed or concerned at the thought of committing yourself. Jesus himself said “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”. You can make your commitment publicly (via the comment box below) or you can do so privately in your heart. You can commit for a week at a time, a month, 6 months, or a year. You can renew your commitment as and when you like. It is entirely up to you. I will not be holding anyone to account. Your decision to participate will be between you and God, unless you choose to share what you are doing.
If you are new to praying regularly, so that you don’t feel overwhelmed, I encourage you to take this step one day at a time, or one week at a time, whatever feels comfortable for you. The aim is to increase our current prayer lives, or to establish a regular prayer habit if you don’t already have one.
Potential prayer warriors and interns, welcome aboard. Let’s build a praying community together. Ready? Steady? Go!
Please don’t forget to put on your spiritual armour before entering the battlefield!
This Week’s Prayer Focus:
Let’s begin with ourselves and ask God to increase our desire to pray and establish us in a lifestyle of prayer. And let’s ask him to do likewise for the saints represented amongst our blog followers and visitors.
Dear Father God,
I want to thank you for the privilege of being able to come into your holy presence and make my requests directly to you. I want to thank you for your promise to hear my prayers. It’s my heart’s desire to obey your Word, which requires us to be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
Father God, on behalf of myself and on behalf of my online brothers and sisters in Christ, who follow or visit this blog, I ask that you stir up within each of us a heart that is committed to obeying your command in Ephesians 6:18. I ask that you help us to establish a consistent, dynamic and fervent prayer life that is effective and avails much.
I ask this in Jesus’ name and thank you for granting my request. Amen.
© Carol Hind
ACTION:
Have you been encouraged to step up your prayer life? Would you like to become a part of the WoW! prayer community? Please let me know in the comment box below and don’t hesitate to share this post/invitation with your social media contacts.
CREDIT: The above CC0 Image comes courtesy of Pixabay.com
Women of Warfare! (WOW!) 