The prayer coming from the old wooden pulpit had a sound of desperation to it. It was very sincere and emotional. The tears of the man praying flowed freely, without embarrassment as described by Frank Damazio in “Seasons of Intercession.”
The truth is, this was also my experience. I loved the way the generations before me prayed, how they’d cry for their families to be saved and how they cried for the nation. They did not have much in the form of wealth but they were certainly rich when it came to prayer. Prayer meetings were powerful and the work of the ministry was often accompanied such prayer. Prayer often created an atmosphere for the word of wisdom, or a word of knowledge, speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues. The atmosphere in the presence of God was truly one to behold. When we met to pray, it was truly a house of prayer where we came before the Lord, lifting holy eyes to Him, laying down our burdens so that God would hear our prayer. We called out to God to touch us, knowing God had always been faithful and His word true. We knew that when we stood in need, God’s mercy reached us so we stood, time and time again calling on His name.
Prayer and Intercession should be one thing that comes naturally to Christians, yet it is neglected by many. Many Christians will admit that they do not pray nearly as often enough. Prayer is the most powerful arsenal that we have but yet it takes a lower priority.
1 Timothy 2:1-5 says:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and it pleases God our Saviour, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus.
First Things First
This scripture remains prevalent to many who call upon the name of Jesus and to which we must continue to give priority in our lives, families, churches, communities and businesses. If we are going to develop a new program, project, business which is to reach our communities, cities or nations we first of all need:
- supplication
- prayer
- intercession
- thanksgiving
Let’s break this down a little.
- Supplication – the word supplication is derived from the Greek word ‘deesis’ which means “a request” or “a petition” which involves an intense seeking of God. This describes a prayer of need and is made by the believer to receive answers to their needs. It’s a plea for the return of the created order of life. It require greater earnestness and perseverance. Supplication is a strong, intense spiritual kind of praying which brings specific results because of specific prayers (See Luke 1:13, 2:37, 11Corinthians 1:11, 9:14; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 1:4,19, 4:6; 2 Timothy 1:3; Hebrews 57′; James 5:16 and 1 Peter 3:12.)
- Prayer – the Greek word for “prayer” is “proseuche”. This is the general word for prayer and worship to God. It indicates a seeker of God in earnest devotion. (See Matthew 21:13, 22; Mark 9:29; Luke 6:12, 22:45; Acts 1:14, 2:42 3:1). prayer is communion with God and is the direct result of relationship with Christ and with the Holy Spirit. Without relationship, prayer becomes mere performance. There may be kneeling, standing or bowing the head but yet no praying.
- Intercession – is a prayer with a set meeting time, place and purpose. It means to mediate or to stand in for another. It is a free-flowing, bold prayer, prayed with confidence. The Greek word is “enteuxis”. There are other greek derivatives which also mean to make a petition or intercede on behalf of another just as the Holy Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27)
- Thanksgiving – “Eucharista” is a prayer with the attitude of thankfulness, praying with thanksgiving. It is the grateful acknowledgement of past mercies and is distinguished from the earnest seeking of future needs. It is returning thanks for the blessings already received. (See Acts 24:3; 1 Corinthians 14:15-16, 9:11,9:12, Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 2:7, 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:1′ 4:3-4; Revelation 4:9, 7:12.)
Be implored to get on track, putting first things first and engaging in prayer as you ought.
