October 18, 2004
Free Prayer
Read: Ephesians 6:10-20
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance. —Ephesians 6:18
Bible In One Year: Isaiah 53-55; 2 Thessalonians 1
A pastor was asked to call on a woman in a psychiatric hospital and pray for her. After his visit, he thought how good it would be for somebody to go there regularly and pray for the residents. The "somebody" turned out to be him. On a table in one of the wards, he put up a sign saying "Free Prayer." Later he recalled, "Suddenly I had 15 people standing in line to get prayed for."
People often ask for our prayers, but do we faithfully pray for them? Many times we see others in great need but find it easier to discuss their plight with friends rather than to intercede for them. But people need and want our prayers.
Paul concluded his call to put on "the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:13-17) by writing, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (v.18).
Oswald Chambers often referred to prayer as "the ministry of the interior" and said, "There is no snare, or any danger of infatuation or pride in intercession; it is a hidden ministry that brings forth fruit whereby the Father is glorified."
Faithful prayer—whether in public or private—is one of the greatest gifts we can give others. —David McCasland
We show no greater care
Than when we give them to the Lord,
Upholding them in prayer. —D. De Haan
Our intercession may be the key to God's intervention.
