I
urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving
be made for everyone.
Not only do we have prayers and entreaties, but we
also have intercession, or petitions. This is not an ordinary word. It is my
going to God for someone else. It means going into the presence of a King and
making a request. This is key because we cannot enter the presence of a King, a
sovereign ruler, and ask for anything that’s too big. I believe it was
Spurgeon who said, “Thou art going to a King, great petitions with you bring;
for His power and grace are such, that none can ever ask too much.” God is
pleased by large requests.
Have you asked God that He would intervene in your
church and begin to grow you into the church that you believe He would have this
church be? Some of us come half apologetic and shy before God. He desires that
we come boldly before Him. Not in our righteousness but in the righteousness of
Christ. Do you see the great need all around your church? The need for the lost
to know Jesus Christ? The need for those who are poor? We must pray because
nothing is too difficult, no person too far from the grace of God, that God
can’t intervene.
Pray for God to grow your church into the church He would have it be. Pray for God to enlarge your understanding of what He can do through you and your church.