04/07/2020
Have we prayed for our faith today, and if so, how about the faith of another? Jesus prayed for the faith of Peter when Satan asked for permission to sift him Like wheat, then He went on to tell him that he would deny him three times before the cock crowed. What would have happened to Peter without the prayer of Jesus? What would happen to us, and those we know without our prayers for strengthened faith?
“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."”
Luke 22:32 ESV
We often pray for people who are ill, or in need, sometimes we pray for circumstances like lost jobs, or someone’s heartbreak over death, and lost loved ones. We even pray for God to protect them against temptation when we see a person on the edge of falling into sin, but do we pray for OUR faith before we prepare to lift them up, and how about THEIR faith as they go through hardship, trial, or even a routine day? Praying fo faith should lead us into every session of prayer.
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."”
Matthew 21:22 ESV
Before I begin to pray in intercession for others, I pray that the Holy Spirit join me in that place, and that he will lead me in my prayers, then sometimes I pray for my faith to be strengthened, but I don’t specifically pray for my own faith nearly as often as I should. Is it because I am arrogant, and feel that my faith is sufficient, or am I so caught up in the pain of another that I neglect my own overwhelming need for my own faith to be increased at that moment? Faith, its power is immeasurable in prayer, and it is prime ingredient, and even the catalyst of every answered petition before God.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 ESV
Sometimes we are asked to pray for another’s belief. They might be facing a moment of doubt where their trust in God or His Word is faltering; or maybe they are doubting whether Jesus is truly the Son of God. In times like this we are tempted to begin praying immediately for this person, and to ask God If He would increase their faith. It almost seems selfish to pray for our own faith when faced with such a dire need, but that is not the case. In times of great difficulty and challenge, our own faith must rise to meet that occasion, in that moment, more than any other, we should pray that our faith be strengthened. Then, and only then, can we begin to intercede in prayer for another. Before we can address a critical prayer need in someone else, we must be strong enough in our own faith that we can pray successfully for that same need in our own lives. Jesus intercedes for us, not because He is lacking, but because He is overwhelming in His faith. So how must we intercede? Do we do so from wherever we happen to be in our faith, or do we pray for an increase in our own belief, and faith, that we will be bolstered first... are we like a father, or mother who desperately seeks faith so that their child might be healed?
“And Jesus asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"”
Mark 9:21-24 ESV
Right now, this very moment, let’s pray fervently for our faith, and the strengthened faith of all believers around the world... then let’s ask the Lord to help those who are suffering from Coronavirus, and that He lift this plague from us.
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for the faith we have, because it can move mountains, but we ask that you help us in our unbelief, and strengthen our faith beyond our ability to fathom. Give us the strength to pray now for all those who have Coronavirus, and are burning with fever, or who lie at death’s door. Heal those that suffer father, reverse the ebbing flow of life in the bodies of the dying, and by the faith of your children, and in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, lift this plague from the world. We pray that it be your will, and that your plan that has included this scourge, is now deemed complete. Open the eyes of those who have doubted you, and lift the gaze of everyone who has looked towards earthly solutions for salvation. Turn every face towards heaven, giving a mustard seed of faith to all those who need it so desperately, and giving great strength of faith to the intercessors as they pray alongside Jesus for the transformation of needy souls by faith... the conversion of every sinner to righteousness. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose mercy and grace have overcome your wrath. Praised be your name for saving us from ourselves, and strengthening our belief, and faith in you. Strong is your right arm, and we pray that you turn it against the plague that is now upon the earth. Let every soul whom you have called choose to praise you, and give you thanks. Let your glory overshadow all the earth, and every knee bowl in awe of your goodness and mercy. So we pray Father, that you strengthen our belief, and gird up our faith so that we can approach you with confidence in your promises, and trust forevermore that you will sanctify us... filling us with your fullness.
“from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:15-19 ESV
Rich Forbes