REV. DAVID STANKUS: Intercessory Prayer

Sharing a short article about intercessory prayer by my husband, David. This came from one of his past sermons. ~VS

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

 ~ Rev. David J. Stankus ~

Colossians 1:9-12 (NASB) - For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Intercessory prayer is prayer for others. But, we see in Colossians 1:9-12, it seeks for more than just physical needs to be met. Here, in Paul’s intercessory prayer, he asked for deeper, more fundamental needs. He asked for them to: 

• know God’s will (v. 9)
• walk in a Christ-like manner (v. 10)
• be pleasing to God in every way (v. 10)
• be fruitful in every good work (v. 10)
• increase in the knowledge of God (v. 10)
• be strengthened, persevere, be patient, and give thanks (v. 11)

So, as we intercede for others, we need to go beyond the superficial requests, and beyond just the physical needs. We need to pray for their spirit as well – that they will have a spirit of joy, even in the midst of their trying circumstances. This is the kind of prayer that truly intercedes for someone. It meets the foundational needs of their lives. 

Make it a point to intercede in this way for your church members, your church leaders, our nation’s leaders, and for those who are unsaved. 

TRUST #17: Prayers Can Show Our Trust

It can be easy to say we are trusting (or relying on) God, but how do we truly know when we are relying on Him?

The answer to that question came to me when I read 21 Days of Faith Challenge by Christian speaker and author, Shelley Hitz. She has several books available on Amazon, and this was one I grabbed when it was available for free on my Kindle.

On DAY 14 of the faith challenge, Shelley tells of a time when she and her husband were doing missionary work and waiting for direction from God in a particular situation. During that waiting time, her husband wrote this quote and posted it on the wall in their kitchen:

Prayer is the proof we are relying on God.

Prayer is not just about asking for the things we want or need. It's about realizing we need God in our lives. It's about putting ourselves in God's hands. It shows we are relying on Him to help us through our circumstances, and not relying on ourselves. 

I encourage you to show you are relying on God by taking your requests to Him in prayer.

Then, TRUST HIM with the outcome.

Encouragement Challenge #18: National Day of Prayer

ENCOURAGEMENT CHALLENGE #18:

The National Day of Prayer is set for this Thursday, May 7, 2015. The theme for this year is Lord, Hear Our Cry, which emphasizes "the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men."

I encourage you to get onto the WEBSITE and learn more about what this day of prayer is all about.

Then, click the link below to learn HOW you can pray for America. There are several links on this page where you can download a FREE prayer guide, or you can choose some other way to get involved in this National Day of Prayer.

HOW TO PRAY FOR AMERICA

Encouragement Challenge #15: Prayers for Autism

APRIL is the official month for "autism acceptance" (also known as "autism awareness.") With how many diagnoses there currently are, I am sure you know a family who has been affected by this disorder.  

ENCOURAGEMENT CHALLENGE #15: 

Each April, Jack and Rebecca Systema, the founders of  a ministry called CHILDREN OF DESTINY, host a prayer challenge called TURNING THE TIDE FOR AUTISM.  

This week, I encourage you to download and print out (if you are able) the following calendar for the "Turning the Tide" prayer challenge:

APRIL 2015 TURNING THE TIDE PRAYER CALENDAR

It is already April 12th, but you can start the challenge at any time. Take a look at the calendar each day this week, look up the Scripture reference listed, then follow the recommendations for prayer. If you feel led, it would be great if you would continue on to the end of April. Let's all pray for a definite cause to be found, a definite cure, peace for those who are learning to cope with a new diagnosis, and strength for those who are struggling. 

Click these links for more information about Autism and Autism Acceptance Month:

 AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH

AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA - Why Autism Acceptance?

Ask for Wisdom

Whenever I ask the Lord for wisdom to help my husband and I figure out what to do in a certain situation (including this past week regarding our children’s educational needs), the answer does not always come immediately. Actually, it usually takes at least a day or two before we have an answer - sometimes longer. But, God does answer this prayer. In fact, there has never been a time in my life when He has not answered this prayer.

Trust me on this one - The Lord loves to answer this prayer for us, and He always gives generously when the time is right. All you need to do is ask for it. I promise you He will listen. And, if you listen back, the answers are sure to come.

James 1:5 - But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (NAS)