Are You Ready to Pray?

1 John 3:14:

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

We all want to work in the ministry. But ministry begins with prayer and faith. Prayer allows us to stand before the Lord on behalf of those whom we carry in our hearts, and faith demands that we believe in the power of our fellowship with God.

Now the first thing you must be totally truthful about is whether you actually love the people of God to whom you wish to serve. Whether you are an intercessor, praying for those you have never met, or a pastor, praying for your ministry in the lives of your congregation, or an evangelist on the field, the first and foremost criteria for your prayers being answered is whether they came up to God in love and purity of heart.

The apostle Paul always desired grace and peace for the saints. This should be the heart of every servant of the Lord. To work ministry, your heart must always remain tender toward the people of God. Know that you must not only pray for those who walk pleasing to God, but for those also who have failed Him time and time again. You can obtain this consistency by always considering yourself, regarding your past failures and negative character. The Father delivered you and granted you mercy, grace, and peace. Now your prayers should do the same for others.

Romans 1:7

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:13-14

13 All the saints salute you.

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Ephesians 6:23-24

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:16

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

In this letter, Paul writes to Timothy a powerful revelation of the mystery of Christ. Remember, the mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Paul is testifying that he first obtained mercy. In other words, he is citing facts that reference his ministry to others. The mercy of God came to him first, so that Jesus Christ could then show all the longsuffering needed to bring others to belief.

Jesus’ actions through the vessel named Paul would be a pattern for those who would come to believe by it. This is an apostle teaching his student the methodology of ministry. The bottom line is that all ministry is done by Christ.

This longsuffering is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit. There are eight other manifestations listed. All of them are manifestations of the living Christ in us. Thus, it is not by the power of your might, but the act of the good pleasure of the will of God that ministry is produced and made successful.

I could cite many other examples of the heart Paul, Peter, James, and John had for the people of God whom they served. But I think you get my point here. My intent is that you maintain a pure heart toward the people of God before you approach God on anyone’s behalf.

So the examples above serve as a disposition that you are able to judge your own heart. Is this truly the way you feel about the people in your measure…even the ones who offend you and are stubborn in their attitudes and rebellious in their ways? Are your thoughts of them even as those above?

Judge this matter and be truthful to yourself. And if you find that you come up lacking, then know that the Father will also hear your heart in this matter. Go to Him in earnest, with a brokenness and a remorse for not manifesting the love He has placed in you by His Spirit.