12/12/2024
Our devotional topic today is on the subject of praying everywhere, and the scripture verse we will begin with is from the second chapter of 1st Timothy. But, are we actually praying everywhere? Are we going into dangerous places, or praying with sinners in sin’s lairs or evil places where Satan has imprisoned them? Is this something we should even do? Ell, let’s explore this today.
“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
1 Timothy 2:8 ESV
As I read the thoughts of Pastor E.M. Bounds this morning he proposed that there are certain places where evil things are done and that in such places it was not appropriate to pray, but this is one of those times when I will have to disagree with him. Although the average person shouldn't frequent or tolerate such places, these are the very place where we find many lost sinners, and if they are to be saved, then prayer must follow the missionaries who God calls to save them as they reach out to lost souls there. This is what Pastor Bounds had to say…
"Some places exist in which evil business is conducted. The intrinsic environments of these settings grow out of places, out of the moral character of those who do business there, and out of those who support them. In such places prayer would not be appropriate." - E. M. Bounds
One Sunday I listened as my pastor told the story of a church whose alter had been desecrated. The acts performed there left an overwhelming sense of evil whenever it was approached. However, the solution wasn't to abandon that place... The solution was to pray there and cast off the evil that had been allowed to take up residence in that place.
I am further reminded that Jesus went among the sinners to save their souls, to claim them from the evil ways they were living. We are told that our mission isn't to preach to the saints, but to save the sinners, and we do that through prayer and witness. Some might be called to enter places of great evil because that is where sinners reside, and that is where the Gospel needs to be heard and prayers offered for the lost souls there.
“And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”
Matthew 9:10-12 ESV
When we pray the Lord's Prayer we come to the words "deliver us from evil" but that doesn't mean we run from it, this means that when we come face to face with evil we ask God to keep it from corrupting us, and to protect us from its influences. Jesus saved sinners (some of them were undoubtedly evil people) and he cast out demons... He wasn't afraid to confront these people and things because His promise was in God and our God will deliver us just as He delivered Jesus from evil. However, this is a job for those who are called to do so, and who are secure in their faith.
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;”
Ephesians 6:16 ESV
So we should prepare ourselves to pray everywhere as well as always. But, we shouldn’t frivolously confront evil. If God calls us to minister in an evil place we should go boldly because our Almighty God holds dominion over all things and will unfailingly protect us with a sure hand. Let’s keep his hand in ours as we answer His call and kneel wherever sent to pray for the lost… even in their strongholds.
Prayer:
Thank you, Father, for calling us to the ends of the earth to save lost sinners, and for giving us the courage, and the strength of faith, in you that we need as we enter into the desperate places of the world where evil feels safe. Bolster our faith and belief as we deliver the good news of the gospel and speak your Word of truth to those who are lost and imprisoned there. Father, we pray that you protect us from evil, and that you lead us not into temptation. Lord, when you call us to witness to those who are held captive by evil, and pray for the lost in our midst, by venturing into their very strongholds, we ask that you keep your hand upon us and shield us. There are so many who need to hear your voice and feel your presence; so many that if presented with the gospel and see the power of praying, will abandon their evil ways and follow you. Lord God, you send your Holy Spirit before us to prepare the ground so that those who hear your missionary message will drop their evil doings and find comfort and salvation in your Word. Help us to pray for them Father and lead us at the right time into the necessary places to rescue those souls which are waiting in desperation to hear your voice. Prepare the sinners to accept your righteous invitation, and to believe in you as we witness to them and pray on their behalf. Reap the bounty of these prodigal sons and daughters, wherever they are, for the glory of your kingdom, and in this way claim victory as their souls turn to You.
Prepare us to do your will when we are asked to spread the gospel, and witness to the lost Father, but although we pray that you will send us into safe places, and comfortable circumstances, we ask too that you give us the courage needed to enter the dark and dangerous places if sent. Give us comfort in your rod and staff as we step across the threshold of Satan’s strongholds and walk through the valleys of death in search of your lost lambs. Lead us not into temptation Father and deliver us from evil as we confront the faces of danger and go about your business by answering your call by saying “Here am I Lord!”.
And all God’s children respond by saying… Amen, Amen, Amen
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
Psalm 46:1-3 ESV
“And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Matthew 22:37 ESV
“And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him.”
Mark 5:2-6 ESV
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 ESV
Rich Forbes