“And [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always pray and not to turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up).” Luke 18:1 (Amplified) All across the land, we hear the urgent call to prayer. We hear and see the manifestation of the perilous times that were spoken of in II Timothy 3:1, where it says, “but understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard times to deal with and hard to bear]”. (Amplified) It is time, high time, that the body of Christ needs to be in one accord, unified in prayer, for our cities, states, nation and the whole world. But yet there is still a nonchalant spirit in crying out to our God, who promised if we (the body) would humble ourselves and seek His face, He would heal our lands.
Have we become so self-centered, stuck in our own backyards that we cannot see or feel the needs over the fence? We are concerned, yes, but not to the falling on our faces to pray. Not unto a burden, which is to carry the weight of the lost, the edifying, the injustice of sin unto the Father, bearing, and believing unto the moving of God in these situations. Because there is no one accord burden, the devastation’s we hear and see that seem so far away are getting closer to our back doors, urgently calling us to cry out in prayer. In the Amplified Bible, I Timothy 2:1-2, states, “First of all, then I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on the behalf of all men. For the Kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, and that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceful one in godliness and reverence, and seriousness in every way”. It goes on to say in verse 3, “For such praying is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior”.
What powerful scripture on the who, why, and what, of prayer. He wants us to pray for all men, especially those in authority who are responsible for decisions that effect all of our lives. Why, because it is our Heavenly Fathers desire that we live quiet and undisturbed lives outwardly with peace on the inside. If we would just believe our prayers are powerful, allowing us to live undisturbed, peaceful lives if we do what God says. What prayer does, is that it pleases God our Savior, so much he moves on our behalf.
It is the enemies desire to make us lethargic, nonchalant and self-centered when it comes to prayer. He knows we would tear his kingdom down if the body of Christ would move forcefully as the body in prayer. I believe perilous times demand radical prayer, purposeful prayer, united prayer, prayer without ceasing, and a burden knowing it is our responsibility as God’s people to do what He commanded for the healing of our lands. Prayer has to become our number one offensive in this spiritual warfare.
By Pastor Linda Jenkins
Linda Jenkins co-pastors Faith Temple Christian Center in Oak Harbor, WA with her husband, David. She is a wonderful example of Christian character , love and ministry in action. She truly is a R.E.A.L. Woman! She seeks to be relevant to her family, church and community. She is a super encourager. She is alive to the will and purpose of God and Lion-hearted in her pursuit of His kingdom and His ways. We are blessed to get to know her!