Saints,
We know that the Father designed His church to impact and influence the world—one life at a time. And as we have looked at before we know Jesus emphasized and modeled prayer for His followers and for us. Remember Jesus praying in the garden—He cried out with vehement groans. Remember how Jesus repeatedly promised to answer prayer in His name in John chapters 14-16. He promised six times to answer prayer in these chapters which scholars refer to as Jesus’ “farewell discourse.” It’s as if Jesus explained to His followers, “Guys, you are entering the church age and you will need to pray.”
Even right now Jesus is praying for His church. He embodies the Spirit of prayer—the Spirit of intercession. Would it be too much to ask God to somehow lead us, guide us, and compel us to pray more like Jesus prays? Can you imagine the Father answering this request by stating, “No, I already have enough intercessors?” No, brothers and sisters, the Father desires for us to pray. He designed His kingdom this way.
So, today I want to submit to you that at least two things will happen as you ask God to lead you to pray like Jesus. First, you will have more and more Christ’s heart for people—people who don’t know Him. Remember Jesus shared that eternal life is to know the Father and the Son,
John 17:3 (ESV)
3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Second, you will more and more have a heart for the church—any church which serves as a witness of Jesus Christ and engages in making disciples. The purpose in this devotional today is to challenge you to ask the Father to pray like Jesus—like Daniel. Ask God to fill you with the same hurt, the same love, the same concern, the same passion, the same desire, the same perseverance Jesus has in prayer for His church and people who do not know Him yet.
I love reading and learning about folks who lived (or live) lives of prayer—real prayer-lives. People like Daniel, Andrew Murray, Hudson Taylor, John Hyde, George Mueller, David Brainerd and so many more.
Please read this excerpt about John Hyde’s prayer-life as written by Francis A. McGaw from the book, Praying Hyde, p21-22.
“Let me introduce here a gem from the pen of Paterson : “What was the secret of the prayer-life of John Hyde’s?” he asks. “This, that it was a life of prayer. Who was the source of all life? The glorified Jesus. How do I get this life from Him? Just as I receive His righteousness to begin with. I own that I have no righteousness of my own—only filthy rags, and I in faith claim His righteousness. Now, a twofold result follows: As to our Father in heaven, He sees Christ’s righteousness—not my unrighteousness. A second result as to ourselves: Christ’s righteousness not merely clothes us outwardly, but enters into our very being, by His Spirit, received in faith as with the disciples (see John 20:22), and works out sanctification in us.”
McGaw continues,
“Why not the same with our prayer life? Let us remember the word “for.” “Christ died for us,” and “He ever liveth to make intercession ‘for’ us,” that is, in our room and stead. So, I confess my ever-failing prayers (it dare not be called a life), and plead His never failing intercession. Then it affects our Father, for He looks upon Christ’s prayer-life in us, and answers accordingly. So that the answer is far “above all we can ask or think.” Another great result follows: it affects us. Christ’s prayer life enters into us, and He prays in us. This is prayer in the Holy Spirit. Only thus can we pray without ceasing. This is the life more abundant which our Lord gives. Oh, what peace, what comfort? No more working up a life of prayer and failing constantly. Jesus enters the boat, and the toiling ceases, and we are at land whither we would be. Now, we need to be still before Him, so as to hear His voice and allow Him to pray in us—nay, to allow Him to pour into our souls His overflowing life of intercession, which means literally: Face to face meeting with God—real union and communion.”
Father, please fill us with Your Spirit of intercession. Forgive us for our weak prayer-lives. May we pray more like Daniel and like Jesus. Father, use us as your intercessors ordained by You to keep watch and pray that Your church would thrive and people would know You. We ask this for Your glory and in Jesus name, Amen.
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