Passionate Pursuit

"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT)

Gladiator. I love that movie. It is easily in my top 5 because it has so many biblical references. The honor and courage displayed in his character are phenomenal. I think it speaks to the heart of every man for bravery and every woman for the admiration of that bravery. 

But more than that, it's a great visual of how difficult leading the Christian life can be. Jesus didn't promise us that our lives would magically be easier when we picked up our crosses and followed him. At the end of this movie, I love that Maximus is walking toward his deceased family in his place of peace, his home. 

Anytime I face a difficult situation or something that seems impossible, this verse bubbles up from my heart and floats through my mind: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 

Watching the news the other day, CNN was covering the crisis in Iraq and questioning what President Obama was going to do about it. I deeply desire that we had a truly God fearing President who would call for a national day of prayer for any who believed so that we, as a nation, would pray for the thousands of Christians being persecuted in Iraq. 

My daughter and I had just sat down for dinner and I said, "Let's pray." She immediately put her tiny hands in mine and bowed her head against my forehead. All I got out was, "Father God, please help those people. You demonstrated over and over in the Bible these amazing stories of angels crushing cities of those who opposed you and of Jesus healing those who are persecuting your children. I will not ask where you are, for I know you are with them, but Abba, those children..." and I just broke and cried. 

My daughter put her tiny hands on either side of my face and lifted my head to look at her. She said, "Mama..." and put one of her hands on my heart. I said, "Yes, Mama's heart hurts for our friends in Iraq." I got out a map and showed her who we were praying for. We put one of each of our hands on the map, and our other hands we held together. We finished the prayer for all of the children in Iraq, Christian or not, and for the leaders of ISIS to have a powerful experience with Jesus. 

As someone who knows heartbreak well, I won't sit here and say "it's okay," - I know its hard and its one of the most difficult things you will experience right now. But I will firmly tell you - do not stop praying - God is fighting for you.  And remember, you have people all over the world just like me who are thinking of you and keeping you close in our hearts, expecting God to bless you in some way each moment. Even if that blessing is just you developing your relationship with him. 

Pray Without Ceasing...

"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us how to pray..."

-Luke 11:1 (NIV)-

Jesus taught the disciples The Lord's Prayer:

Our Father, who art in Heaven,

hallowed by thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done

on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Lead us not into tempation, but deliver us from evil,

For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever.

Amen.

We also see Jesus' physical example. Sometimes he prayed all throughout the night. Other times, he rose early and prayed before the beginning of the day's responsibilities and opportunities. Still others, he prayed both privately and publicly. No matter what, Jesus prayed, trusted and thanked God for hearing him and continued his ministry.

Today, let's focus on Jesus' example of prayer. Let us pray today for each other around the world. Remember, yes, God will use your prayer even for people you have never met. Yes, your brothers and sisters need you to pray for them. Yes, you are heard and Yes, you are vitally important to this mission.

Let's pray together today for:

Orphans

Widows

The Persecuted Church

Marriages

Children in schools

Families

The Hurting and the Oppressed

Prisoners

Intercession for acts of violence both in the United States and Internationally

Provision for those starving or dealing with famine

Health

Please read this list and pray for at least one of these groups of people. For me, personally, I have a special place for the orphans, prisoners and those who are dealing with HIV/AIDS. Remember to pray for those who help at these places and for the people dealing with each one of these sufferings individually. And when you pray, pray with conviction and belief.

Remember the story of the faith of the Roman officer? Jesus told him, "What you have believed has come true."

Believe that God will provide for each of these groups of people, and He will. Doubt is our worst enemy. Conquer it with faith and rememberance of who our God is and his character. Secure that faith with thankfulness and press forward in intercessory prayer. We need each other's encouragement and will to cover each other powerfully in prayer through the Holy Spirit.

Let's start together:

"Heavenly Father, we thank you that we are able to pray as One Body and be heard by you. We thank you that we are able to pray for those whom we don't even know personally, but will be given provision by you in ways we can't fathom. Thank you for saving our brothers and sisters around the world. Today, we bring forth concern for _____ and ask that you would bring favor upon them. We pray in power by your Holy Spirit within us that you would bless ____ and nourish _____. Help them to remember who You are and what you are capable of doing. Thank you for sending laborers into _____'s lives to share the Good News. Thank you for protecting ____ this day. No evil shall come near nor any accident take over ____'s day today. We plead the blood of Jesus over ____ and their families this day. Thank you for hearing us. We love you and ask that you use us in whatever ways we can be of service to you to help _____. In Jesus' name, Amen."