Pray Network Forum

17 (2)

PTAP: United Prayer

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on February 3, 2016 at 21:00
Prayer is communicating with God, hearing from Him, and gaining His perspective on things. In prayer we seek to hear His voice and learn His heart for the people, lands, and situations for which we are interceding. Prayer is one of the ways in which God invites us into what He is doing in the world. Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matt 6:9-10).

Please pray that the believers all over the AP will rise up in prayer, unite, inquire of God, and seek to come alongside His heart for the people of the region. Pray that believers will be willing to be God's hands and feet; to be His ambassador's wherever they are placed (2 Cor. 5:20). In the turmoil that surrounds the region, many people are unsettled and questioning their faith, thus providing opportunities to share the Good News.  Pray for these connections.
Pray for unity over the body of believers in this area of the world. John 17:20-21 says, "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." Unity in the body is one of the greatest witnesses to the world that the Father sent the Son and speaks volumes to those of other faiths looking on.
Pray for opportunities for spiritual conversations in all walks of life and that these connections will bear fruit. Pray for protection over each opening for the believer and the non-believer.  Pray that the believers in the region would realize the incredible opportunity they have for Kingdom purposes and be intentional.
For those places where the Son is not known, prayer needs to be a large part of releasing the Gospel into hearts. Prayer makes a Kingdom difference.
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“Father, the time has come…”

Posted by Dave Kubal on December 16, 2010 at 15:14

“Is there anybody else praying?” This question came from an incredible prayer warrior who called the office recently, admitting that she felt dejected and alone. Telling her about the thousands who intercede for the nation, our staff had the privilege to spend the next 30 minutes encouraging this dear lady in the Lord. When the phone call ended, she knew the assurance of unity and joy.

This is exactly what Jesus prayed for the disciples in John 17. He realized that God’s protection is foundational for both unity and joy. His first request for the disciples in verse 11 was, “Holy Father, keep (protect) ... those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” Protection from what? Protection from discouragement and anything that limits our effectiveness. He continued the prayer in verse 13 by asking that we might experience the full measure of His joy. He knew that the lives of His disciples, His intercessors, would be difficult—even impossible—without our Holy Father’s provision of protection, unity, and joy.

It could be easy to understand unity as a result of joy, but in reality the two are mutually dependent. This is found in verse 22, which is often overlooked, but very important.  We have a chance at unity because “the glory which [the Father] gave [Jesus]” has been given to us, “that [we] may be one.” Experiencing God’s glory through each other is critical. Unity and joy are two sides to the same coin, and God’s glory is the source of both.

Protection, joy, unity. As we consider how we are to intercede for our country this year, I challenge you to consider these foundational elements in the life of an intercessor. Ask yourself two questions: 1) Are you experiencing joy? 2) Are you experiencing unity with the body of Christ? Your answers may indicate the level of your need to pray for God’s protection.

I challenge you to pursue joy and unity with great effort. Like the faithful intercessor who called our office, take joy in the knowledge that your burden to pray is not an isolated task. You are not alone. While Jesus kept His team of disciples encouraged by His presence on earth, He prayed for believers to connect in Spirit-filled fellowship in His physical absence.

That day has come. Let’s ask that God’s destiny for our country would unfold through the unified prayers of His Church. Take time this year to pray for protection, experience His joy, and pursue unity in the Body.

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