Dr. Wesley L. Duewel- One can support financially only a certain number of ministries, organizations, or individuals. Through prayer, however, there is no limit to the scope of investment possible to you. (Chapter 33 has suggestions as to how to prepare prayer lists.)
Perhaps there are children or young people in whose lives you want to make prayer investments. You may have a major interest in an unsaved family, in one or more missionary societies. (Google image, Woman praying with a sincere heart)
Certainly you will want to invest prayer in the ministry of your own church. If God has placed one or more nations on your heart, you can invest in prayer for them. You can invest in people and nations that you may never see in person.
While traveling on a bus in Northern Ireland years ago, I was praying for my meeting to be held that night in a rural town. As I hungered to enlist more prayer support for India, I was inspired to write a poem. I became so absorbed with my writing that I was unaware of the passing scenery or my traveling companions.
Suddenly I was startled to hear my name called. Looking up, I found a woman standing in the aisle. "I just happened to notice you sitting here," she said. "I recognized you from a picture in your missionary paper, and just wanted to tell you that, for the past eighteen years, I have been praying for you every day, and especially for your wife, Betty." Tears sprang to my eyes as I realized that God had graciously allowed me to meet one who had invested in prayer for me and my family.
On another occasion, I was driving alone in my car on the West Virginia turnpike when I became so sleepy I feared it would be dangerous to continue my trip. I asked the Lord to keep me alert until I could find a place to get a snack and some coffee.
A little further on, I noticed a sign indicating an all-night diner at the next exit. Pulling up in front of the diner, I entered and took the only empty stool at the counter. The Man seated to my right initiated a conversation. "I stopped here because they don't sell liquor," he ventured. I turned to him in surprise. "I share your sentiments," I commented. "I'm a missionary" :A missionary!" he exclaimed. "Come with me."
Stopping behind a man seated at the far end of the counter, he rapped the diner on the shoulder. As the man turned around, he looked me full in the face. "I pray for you every day!" He said, as recognition lighted his eyes. We had each traveled hundreds of miles that day, with different destinations. In God's providential timing, however, our paths crossed, and I was allowed to encounter yet another prayer investor who gave me an encouraging word.
What joys heaven will afford as we meet and fellowship with those who have blessed our earthly lives and supported our ministry through investment of prayer! I wonder if the angels will join in those conversations and tell how they alerted someone to pray for you at critical moments in your life?
Even if we pray for people who never yielded to Christ during their lifetime, we will not regret having done our part. One day, as I shook hands with Prime minister Nehru of India, I wondered what word I could say in the brief moment I would have with him. How glad I was that I could tell him I had been praying for hem each day.
If you love someone, invest prayer in that person. If you love your church and pastor, pray sacrificially for them. If you love your nation, be sure to spend more time in prayer than in criticism. You have no right to criticize your leaders if you are not praying for them. Love the world through prayer. Spread your prayer investments all over the world, and expect rich dividends!
(Chapter 29, p. 219-220, italics added for emphasis)
Father, it is good to know that although we support various ministries, individuals and organizations financially, we can support many more with prayer. When we consider those who live around us, or in our church group, may we remember to pray for those You single out to us for prayer.
Today's Bible verses-
~ Becky Weber- "When we live with a healthy perspective of an imperfect world, we learn how to deal with the hurt that we experience. It will help us grow in grace. Growing in grace is necessary if we want to become more like Jesus – making an impact on the world that we are living in." [becweber.wordpress.com]
~ As born-again children of God, when we think of all the gifts He has given us, may we love him because of Who He is, not because of His generosity. We also have the promise of eternal bliss beyond the grave! May we love the Lord now, not for the blessings, but for His warm embrace.
Today's Popular posts-
Discernment vs Criticism- Part 1
Discernment vs Criticism- Part 2
The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,
located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,
broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15
You can view past services too.
Amen and amen. Thanks for sharing
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