Topic: Praying For Others [25th October]
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
An aspect of our priestly ministry as Christians is praying for others: interceding on their behalf against the forces of darkness. This is so important for us to
do, especially for those amongst us who may still be weak, ignorant, and unable to stand for themselves.
It’s important to bear in mind, however, that when we intercede, God isn’t the one holding back from us. He’s not the one causing the problem; therefore, we shouldn’t pray as though He’s the one we’re trying to persuade.
For example, if you’re interceding for someone who’s sick, it’s not God that made him sick. So, it would be wrong to be pleading and begging God to heal him. Instead, you’re to stand in the authority of Jesus Christ against the sickness. You’re to remain persistent in prayer, mounting pressure on the adversary on behalf of that one who’s sick, to help him obtain his healing.
You may have been interceding for a while for someone to receive salvation, and it may seem there’s no positive outcome. The reason might be that you were praying as though God is the one holding the person back from receiving salvation; you’ve been prevailing on God to “save” him. No! The grace of God that brings salvation has been made available to all men (Titus 2:11). In Christ, salvation has already been wrought for every man; it’s part of what Jesus came to accomplish.
Therefore, in interceding for the lost, you address the culprit: Satan! He’s the god of this world; the one who has blinded the minds of men so they wouldn’t believe the Gospel. He’s the reason some people will do just anything to resist the message of the Gospel. But blessed be God! As Christians, we have the authority to break Satan’s hold off people’s minds, so the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ would shine unto them for salvation.
If there’s someone you’ve been praying for to receive salvation, that’s what you need to do! Write down that person’s name, and declare, “In the Name of the Lord Jesus, I break the power of the devil off Mr John, and I claim his deliverance and salvation.” You’ll be amazed that as simple as that prayer is, you’ll get the desired result.
PRAYER
I thank you Father for giving me authority to break Satan’s hold and influence over men’s lives that they may receive salvation. I declare that the Gospel message is growing and prevailing around the world, bringing about a mighty harvest of souls into the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Luke 22:31-32
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Timothy 1:1-18 Jeremiah 17-18
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 7:32-44 2 Kings 13-14
