Epaggelia

Jesus said this first (Luke 18:1) Paul repeated it, we echo this, don’t stop praying! “You also must help us by prayer” (2nd Corinthians 1:11). Paul wrote to the Corinthians about his near-death experiences on his mission trip to Asia – and declared how God delivered him through their prayers. Prayer isn’t just something that helps us deal with our problems. It is necessary for God’s will to be shown on Earth. The New Testament takes us on a journey of commanded prayer. We are told to “pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44) for workers to go into the harvest (Matthew 9:38). We are to pray in faith (Matthew 21:22) and while praying for strength to escape persecution (Luke 21:36) we will not enter into temptation (Luke 22:40). We are to pray constantly (Romans 12:12) and with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6) be devoted to prayer (Colossians 4:2), asking for doors of opportunity to be opened for sharing the good news of Christ (Colossians 4:3) with lost people that want to be found. We are to pray always (I Thessalonians 5:17) for those serving the church’s leadership roles (2Thessalonians 3:1) and for all people (I Timothy 2:1) especially those in high positions of power over the nations. Plead with confidence for God’s purpose to be accomplished in our life, in our neighborhood and indeed capitols all over the world. Do we really pray like this? When Christ returns, will he find this kind of faith anywhere on this earth? (Luke 18:8) I sure hope so, what about you? If not, you better start praying!