Whenever my husband and I used to go on a ministry trip we used to ask our little daughter what she’d like us to shop for her. Her list would be pencils and rubbers and sharpeners. As she grew up, she started asking for bigger and more valuable things.
That’s maturity. When we came to the Lord, our prayer was for ourselves, our family, our job, for the little hassles in life and the like. Sadly many of us are still narcissistic in our approach to prayer. Most of us are still children asking for pencils and rubbers from our heavenly Father in spite of our long spiritual journey from the day of our salvation. All these things the non-Christians seek. Our heavenly Father knows that we need all these things. But if we seek just the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, all these things shall be added to us (Mt 6:31-33). As we study the mind-boggling prayer life of some titans of intercession, they come as a breath of fresh air.
When I read the prolific prayers of Paul for the Ephesian believers, something inside me stirs to life (Eph 1:16-23). His agonised prayer to God was that they might be filled with the spirit of wisdom and “When a Christian shuns fellowship with other hristians, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy”
— Corie Ten Boom
revelation. This is not the wisdom or shrewdness to solve disputes or revelation about people’s future as we may imagine; rather it is to know God better. The intensity and selflessness of Paul’s intercession grew out of his intimacy with God. For him
nothing counted as much as the excellence of the knowledge of Christ which was at the top of his ladder of priorities (Phil 3:8). He desired the same for the Ephesian congregants. As we read Paul’s amazing prayers, let our hearts cry out to God for this
insight and revelation. Like him let us pray for others too to savour this experience. The topic of daily needs is not even broached in his prayer.
At the very peak of his missionary prowess Paul was under house arrest in Rome, chained to a Roman soldier. It was then that he interceded that the understanding of believers may become clear and bright in order that they may know the hope to which God
had called them. Our mind stops when we try to imagine the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (1:18). In Colossians 1:5 he speaks of the hope which was laid up for them in heaven — the things which God has prepared for those who love Him, which no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, nor has anyone imagined (1 Cor 2:9). If we understand this, we will not be materialistic, nor be easily discouraged at our life’s twists and turns, nor will we ever doubt our future with Christ.
We talk of ‘power’. We pray for power to cast out demons and heal diseases. But there is another exceeding great power. This is the power with which God raised up Christ from the dead and placed Him at His right hand, high up in heaven, above all powers.
This position put everything under the feet of Jesus. This is exactly the same power that God has towards us (Eph 1:19,20). When such is His mighty power why do we worry? That’s the reason to pray that we understand this power and lead an anxiety-free life. When we pray for people in distress we should pray for this enlightenment that will deliver them from their angst-ridden situation. This is the power that works in us and revives us (Eph 3:20).
As Paul continues his letter to the Ephesians, he addresses the discouragement they were going through because of his trials and rallies their flagging spirits. What was his prayer for them in that situation? — nothing that our small brain can figure
out. It was a one sentence prayer replete with a host of details. He implored that God would make them strong in their inner being through His Holy Spirit, so that Christ might live in their hearts through faith (Eph 3:13-17). What a contrast to our
constant prayers for our outer man! Paul’s prayers became Scriptures! Think of it!
You prick beneath the skin of Paul and you’ll find intercession oozing out. It is impossible to read about this man’s prayer without being shaken. He further prayed for them to take deep roots in love; that they might be able to understand the width and
length and depth and height of the love of Christ which passes knowledge. We have not understood the love of Christ in full. It is a dire need because only then we will be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph 3:19). Only that will make us strong in
our inner man and help us abide in Him as a branch in the true Vine — inseparable. Shall we bend our knees for these for us and for others, instead of carping on the lovelessness of the day? Let’s learn Paul’s ways and imbibe his spirit.
As Paul’s pen runs over the paper at the end of his letter to the Ephesians he inculcates in them the same zest for prayer that he had (6:18-20). He spurred the Ephesians to be praying “always” as he himself did (Col 1:3; I Thess 5:17). This does not
mean we shut ourselves in the prayer closet 24 hours a day. It means to be clothed in
a spirit of prayer. “All prayer and supplications” is our list of prayer points. Philip Yancey writes about how his father-in-law kept a list of congregations he ministered to, that ran to pages and how he used to pray through them when he became too
debilitated to preach. So I sat down to recollect the congregations I preached to and people whom I led to the Lord and noted them in my prayer diary. “For all the saints and for me.” We can also make a list of believers, our own church congregation and
ministers of God. Instead of complaining about sermons, why not pray that each preacher we know may have the fluency as he preaches, be biblically correct, may explain the gospel clearly, may be bold as he expounds the Bible, and their safety. Paul
requests prayer from the Thessalonians that God’s Word may impact the lives of people and that preachers may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men (2 Thess 3:1,2; Rom 15:30-31).
Writing to the Philippians, Paul explains how he prayed for their love to grow in knowledge and discernment. See to what extent his prayer touches details! He prayed for them that they may choose only the right and good things and that they may be
sincere spotless saints till the return of Christ. He pleaded with God that they may be full of the fruits of righteousness and glorify God (Phil 1:9-11). I will not be able to tell any company I ministered to that I prayed for these things for them. But
if I can tell them or email them, how greatly encouraged they will be! No wonder Paul’s contacts flourished like spring flowers in their life in Christ.
To the Colossians his list of prayer points is long —1. He wanted them to be wise and spiritually minded to know the will of God in every situation they had to deal with. Epaphras was one man who understood the gravity of believers fumbling to do the
will of God. So he constantly laboured fervently in prayer for the Colossian believers that they may in every way do the will of God to the last alphabet (Col 1:9-12). To pour yourself out in prayer for others, you need extraordinary passion, dedication and empathy. Epaphras had it all. Any chink in their armour was sealed by his prayer. 2. Paul wanted them to live in such a way that God would feel honoured to have them as children. 3. That in whatever they said and did, they pleased God. 4. That they would involve themselves in doing good work and that whatever good work they did might flourish. 5. His burden for them was to grow in the knowledge of God. 6. That they might be stalwarts of patience. 7. And be full of joy under any circumstance. I wish to have somone pray for me regularly for the enumerated details. How fortunate Paul’s congregations were! Why not we make people so fortunate? Paul’s boundless burden for believers was that they should be protected from deception. He ensured that by praying in such detail for them. Juxtaposed to Paul’s prayer mine looks like trash to me. You think Paul did not preach all these things to the Colossians? Sure, he did, but he followed it up by his prayers. How much more fruitful our preaching will be if we walk in the footsteps of Paul!
If we study the nostalgic thanksgivings of Paul we can with certainty conclude that his prayers were dramatically answered. To the Thessalonians he writes that he thanked God always because of their explosive growth in faith and their free-flowing love
for one another (2 Thess 1:3). He saw the fruit of his prayers among the dispirited Roman believers and rejoiced (Rom 1:8,9).
Paul’s exhortation is that we pray for everyone — our friends and enemies, the saved and unsaved. We also need to give thanks for everyone. We should especially pray for Kings and Queens, Presidents, Vice-presidents, Chief ministers of States and all in
authority so that our life will be a smooth sail (1Tim 2:1-2). Who knows? If we had prayed hard enough we might have foiled the 2G Spectrum fraud, the Karnataka shady dealings and the Food Scam. While India is being swindled we watch impotently. Pray for the American President because when America catches cold, the whole world sneezes.
If we take Paul’s admonition seriously and follow the formula of 2 Chronicles 7:14 we can literally witness the healing of our land. The scene of four women, Hepzie, Vedam, Dhanaseeli and Blanche getting together to pray everyday for revival in and around Thanjavur is still fresh in the creases of my brain. They witnessed a revival breakout in their own town and surrounding villages. People were converted in droves. Missionaries sprang up like mushrooms. Dhanseeli auntie is still alive (2015). When we intercede there is no limit to possibilities.
Jesus prayed for His disciples that they may be one as His Father and He were; not only for them but us too (Jn 17:20,21). This is so very important because it is by seeing this preternatural unity the world will believe that Jesus is divine, sent by God
Himself. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have
sent Me.” How much disruption, splintering and internal bickering around us among the God-fearing, in Homes, Churches, Missions, Christian Societies and Associations! If we have faith in the power of prayer we ought to supplicate to God our Father that
His peace may descend as dew on the fractured community of God. Whether mankind believes that God sent His only beloved Son to this terrestrial ball to save the world depends on our prayer for the harmony of believers. Let us not throw the blame on
anyone else. The reproach is on us. Our intercession can move history in a positive direction!
To change our world we have to change our intercession and to do that, we have to change ourselves. The inability to change ourselves is peppered with flimsy reasons. Take for example the apportioning of our time. The most intense competition for our
intercessory prayer is T.V. Cut it down and you’ll have enough time in your hands for intercession. It is in intercession that Satan’s influence is checkmated by God’s power. Intercession makes us look forward not backward. We cannot change the whole
world at once, but each of us can make it a little bit better everyday.
Time and space will not permit me to take an inventory of the prayers of intercessory warriors like Noah, Daniel and Job who infect us with their own zest. Let this article be a springboard to a new goal. Take it up as an assignment this year to cogitate
over the prayers of God’s people from Genesis to Revelation and put it to practice. Start interceding for yourself and your family members this way first and then step up to others. You will see a revolution in your life.
In conclusion I would like to remind you of the internationally renowned picture of the gnarled praying hands. It appeared in “The Week” (Feb 13, 2005). “It is the story of love and sacrifice of two young friends in Germany, Albrecht Durer and Franz
Knigstein. They were budding artists. As they were poor, they decided that one of them should find employment and support the other until he completed the university. Then he could sell his paintings and finance the other’s education.
“They drew lots to decide which of them should attend the university first. Durer went to university and Knigstein, to work. Durer blossomed into a famous painter and returned home rich to uphold his part of the bargain. Only then did he painfully
realize the great price his friend had paid. Knigstein’s delicate and sensitive fingers had been ruined by years of rugged manual labour in a mine. Although he had to abandon his artistic dream, he had no regrets but rejoiced in his friend’s success.
“One day Durer saw Knigstein kneeling with his gnarled hands folded in prayer. The artist quickly sketched the Praying Hands. Today’s art galleries feature many works of Durer, but people’s favourite is the Praying Hands. That painting has been copied
millions of times the world over, telling its tender, eloquent story of love, sacrifice, labour and gratitude!”
Are you interceding as you should? Are you availing yourself of this unlimited life-changing potential? Will your name be indelibly associated with intercession like Praying Hyde? Let us find time in our high-rev lifestyle to bend our knees, fold our
hands and lift up our eyes to the One who hears prayers, so that we will leave a legacy when our lives are done.
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
Whenever my husband and I used to go on a ministry trip we used to ask our little daughter what she’d like us to shop for her. Her list would be pencils and rubbers and sharpeners. As she grew up, she started asking for bigger and more valuable things.
That’s maturity. When we came to the Lord, our prayer was for ourselves, our family, our job, for the little hassles in life and the like. Sadly many of us are still narcissistic in our approach to prayer. Most of us are still children asking for pencils and rubbers from our heavenly Father in spite of our long spiritual journey from the day of our salvation. All these things the non-Christians seek. Our heavenly Father knows that we need all these things. But if we seek just the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, all these things shall be added to us (Mt 6:31-33). As we study the mind-boggling prayer life of some titans of intercession, they come as a breath of fresh air.
When I read the prolific prayers of Paul for the Ephesian believers, something inside me stirs to life (Eph 1:16-23). His agonised prayer to God was that they might be filled with the spirit of wisdom and “When a Christian shuns fellowship with other hristians, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy”
— Corie Ten Boom
revelation. This is not the wisdom or shrewdness to solve disputes or revelation about people’s future as we may imagine; rather it is to know God better. The intensity and selflessness of Paul’s intercession grew out of his intimacy with God. For him
nothing counted as much as the excellence of the knowledge of Christ which was at the top of his ladder of priorities (Phil 3:8). He desired the same for the Ephesian congregants. As we read Paul’s amazing prayers, let our hearts cry out to God for this
insight and revelation. Like him let us pray for others too to savour this experience. The topic of daily needs is not even broached in his prayer.
At the very peak of his missionary prowess Paul was under house arrest in Rome, chained to a Roman soldier. It was then that he interceded that the understanding of believers may become clear and bright in order that they may know the hope to which God
had called them. Our mind stops when we try to imagine the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (1:18). In Colossians 1:5 he speaks of the hope which was laid up for them in heaven — the things which God has prepared for those who love Him, which no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, nor has anyone imagined (1 Cor 2:9). If we understand this, we will not be materialistic, nor be easily discouraged at our life’s twists and turns, nor will we ever doubt our future with Christ.
We talk of ‘power’. We pray for power to cast out demons and heal diseases. But there is another exceeding great power. This is the power with which God raised up Christ from the dead and placed Him at His right hand, high up in heaven, above all powers.
This position put everything under the feet of Jesus. This is exactly the same power that God has towards us (Eph 1:19,20). When such is His mighty power why do we worry? That’s the reason to pray that we understand this power and lead an anxiety-free life. When we pray for people in distress we should pray for this enlightenment that will deliver them from their angst-ridden situation. This is the power that works in us and revives us (Eph 3:20).
As Paul continues his letter to the Ephesians, he addresses the discouragement they were going through because of his trials and rallies their flagging spirits. What was his prayer for them in that situation? — nothing that our small brain can figure
out. It was a one sentence prayer replete with a host of details. He implored that God would make them strong in their inner being through His Holy Spirit, so that Christ might live in their hearts through faith (Eph 3:13-17). What a contrast to our
constant prayers for our outer man! Paul’s prayers became Scriptures! Think of it!
You prick beneath the skin of Paul and you’ll find intercession oozing out. It is impossible to read about this man’s prayer without being shaken. He further prayed for them to take deep roots in love; that they might be able to understand the width and
length and depth and height of the love of Christ which passes knowledge. We have not understood the love of Christ in full. It is a dire need because only then we will be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph 3:19). Only that will make us strong in
our inner man and help us abide in Him as a branch in the true Vine — inseparable. Shall we bend our knees for these for us and for others, instead of carping on the lovelessness of the day? Let’s learn Paul’s ways and imbibe his spirit.
As Paul’s pen runs over the paper at the end of his letter to the Ephesians he inculcates in them the same zest for prayer that he had (6:18-20). He spurred the Ephesians to be praying “always” as he himself did (Col 1:3; I Thess 5:17). This does not
mean we shut ourselves in the prayer closet 24 hours a day. It means to be clothed in
a spirit of prayer. “All prayer and supplications” is our list of prayer points. Philip Yancey writes about how his father-in-law kept a list of congregations he ministered to, that ran to pages and how he used to pray through them when he became too
debilitated to preach. So I sat down to recollect the congregations I preached to and people whom I led to the Lord and noted them in my prayer diary. “For all the saints and for me.” We can also make a list of believers, our own church congregation and
ministers of God. Instead of complaining about sermons, why not pray that each preacher we know may have the fluency as he preaches, be biblically correct, may explain the gospel clearly, may be bold as he expounds the Bible, and their safety. Paul
requests prayer from the Thessalonians that God’s Word may impact the lives of people and that preachers may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men (2 Thess 3:1,2; Rom 15:30-31).
Writing to the Philippians, Paul explains how he prayed for their love to grow in knowledge and discernment. See to what extent his prayer touches details! He prayed for them that they may choose only the right and good things and that they may be
sincere spotless saints till the return of Christ. He pleaded with God that they may be full of the fruits of righteousness and glorify God (Phil 1:9-11). I will not be able to tell any company I ministered to that I prayed for these things for them. But
if I can tell them or email them, how greatly encouraged they will be! No wonder Paul’s contacts flourished like spring flowers in their life in Christ.
To the Colossians his list of prayer points is long —1. He wanted them to be wise and spiritually minded to know the will of God in every situation they had to deal with. Epaphras was one man who understood the gravity of believers fumbling to do the
will of God. So he constantly laboured fervently in prayer for the Colossian believers that they may in every way do the will of God to the last alphabet (Col 1:9-12). To pour yourself out in prayer for others, you need extraordinary passion, dedication and empathy. Epaphras had it all. Any chink in their armour was sealed by his prayer. 2. Paul wanted them to live in such a way that God would feel honoured to have them as children. 3. That in whatever they said and did, they pleased God. 4. That they would involve themselves in doing good work and that whatever good work they did might flourish. 5. His burden for them was to grow in the knowledge of God. 6. That they might be stalwarts of patience. 7. And be full of joy under any circumstance. I wish to have somone pray for me regularly for the enumerated details. How fortunate Paul’s congregations were! Why not we make people so fortunate? Paul’s boundless burden for believers was that they should be protected from deception. He ensured that by praying in such detail for them. Juxtaposed to Paul’s prayer mine looks like trash to me. You think Paul did not preach all these things to the Colossians? Sure, he did, but he followed it up by his prayers. How much more fruitful our preaching will be if we walk in the footsteps of Paul!
If we study the nostalgic thanksgivings of Paul we can with certainty conclude that his prayers were dramatically answered. To the Thessalonians he writes that he thanked God always because of their explosive growth in faith and their free-flowing love
for one another (2 Thess 1:3). He saw the fruit of his prayers among the dispirited Roman believers and rejoiced (Rom 1:8,9).
Paul’s exhortation is that we pray for everyone — our friends and enemies, the saved and unsaved. We also need to give thanks for everyone. We should especially pray for Kings and Queens, Presidents, Vice-presidents, Chief ministers of States and all in
authority so that our life will be a smooth sail (1Tim 2:1-2). Who knows? If we had prayed hard enough we might have foiled the 2G Spectrum fraud, the Karnataka shady dealings and the Food Scam. While India is being swindled we watch impotently. Pray for the American President because when America catches cold, the whole world sneezes.
If we take Paul’s admonition seriously and follow the formula of 2 Chronicles 7:14 we can literally witness the healing of our land. The scene of four women, Hepzie, Vedam, Dhanaseeli and Blanche getting together to pray everyday for revival in and around Thanjavur is still fresh in the creases of my brain. They witnessed a revival breakout in their own town and surrounding villages. People were converted in droves. Missionaries sprang up like mushrooms. Dhanseeli auntie is still alive (2015). When we intercede there is no limit to possibilities.
Jesus prayed for His disciples that they may be one as His Father and He were; not only for them but us too (Jn 17:20,21). This is so very important because it is by seeing this preternatural unity the world will believe that Jesus is divine, sent by God
Himself. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have
sent Me.” How much disruption, splintering and internal bickering around us among the God-fearing, in Homes, Churches, Missions, Christian Societies and Associations! If we have faith in the power of prayer we ought to supplicate to God our Father that
His peace may descend as dew on the fractured community of God. Whether mankind believes that God sent His only beloved Son to this terrestrial ball to save the world depends on our prayer for the harmony of believers. Let us not throw the blame on
anyone else. The reproach is on us. Our intercession can move history in a positive direction!
To change our world we have to change our intercession and to do that, we have to change ourselves. The inability to change ourselves is peppered with flimsy reasons. Take for example the apportioning of our time. The most intense competition for our
intercessory prayer is T.V. Cut it down and you’ll have enough time in your hands for intercession. It is in intercession that Satan’s influence is checkmated by God’s power. Intercession makes us look forward not backward. We cannot change the whole
world at once, but each of us can make it a little bit better everyday.
Time and space will not permit me to take an inventory of the prayers of intercessory warriors like Noah, Daniel and Job who infect us with their own zest. Let this article be a springboard to a new goal. Take it up as an assignment this year to cogitate
over the prayers of God’s people from Genesis to Revelation and put it to practice. Start interceding for yourself and your family members this way first and then step up to others. You will see a revolution in your life.
In conclusion I would like to remind you of the internationally renowned picture of the gnarled praying hands. It appeared in “The Week” (Feb 13, 2005). “It is the story of love and sacrifice of two young friends in Germany, Albrecht Durer and Franz
Knigstein. They were budding artists. As they were poor, they decided that one of them should find employment and support the other until he completed the university. Then he could sell his paintings and finance the other’s education.
“They drew lots to decide which of them should attend the university first. Durer went to university and Knigstein, to work. Durer blossomed into a famous painter and returned home rich to uphold his part of the bargain. Only then did he painfully
realize the great price his friend had paid. Knigstein’s delicate and sensitive fingers had been ruined by years of rugged manual labour in a mine. Although he had to abandon his artistic dream, he had no regrets but rejoiced in his friend’s success.
“One day Durer saw Knigstein kneeling with his gnarled hands folded in prayer. The artist quickly sketched the Praying Hands. Today’s art galleries feature many works of Durer, but people’s favourite is the Praying Hands. That painting has been copied
millions of times the world over, telling its tender, eloquent story of love, sacrifice, labour and gratitude!”
Are you interceding as you should? Are you availing yourself of this unlimited life-changing potential? Will your name be indelibly associated with intercession like Praying Hyde? Let us find time in our high-rev lifestyle to bend our knees, fold our
hands and lift up our eyes to the One who hears prayers, so that we will leave a legacy when our lives are done.
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, Mob:8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
