Sharon Lackey
Today mark's the annual day of honoring the persecuted Saints - June 29.
“If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
When I was a young girl, I learned a song called “It’s Time to Pray.” Today I was reminded of the words to this song after a dear friend and brother in the Lord poured out his heart, to a small fellowship group, the battles he is currently, and quite often engaged in as a leader and pastor of the Church. On hearing his heart, I wanted to weep. Later, when I was on my own praying for him and the ministry, I was reminded of the words to this song. I was unable to find the original words, so they are written as I remember them.
Enemies increase around us we can’t drop our guard,
Problems here at home confound us in our own backyards,
Troubles unrelenting hound us making living hard,
It’s time to pray!
It’s time to pray to the God who watches o’er us,
It’s time to seek His help without delay,
The world is dark for the clouds of war still threaten,
It’s time for all America to pray!
If we would keep the flag of freedom flying
Secure the peace for which we all are trying (or dying)
It’s time to pray our sins and wrong confessing,
It’s time for all America to pray!
It’s time for all true born-again indwelt believers to rise up and pray, especially for those who lead us. Where would we be without their continual sacrifice and selflessness to us, the body of Christ?
Years ago, when I came to this ministry—IOM America, I was convicted about supporting the ministry financially after reading the following Scriptures:
“But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality” (2 Cor. 8:14)
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gals. 6:6-10).
From the teachings, writings, prayers, mentoring, and friendship I have received from IOM America, the Lord showed me that my lack was being supplied by the abundance of all those involved in this ministry. So, from out of the abundance of my supply, I started sharing.
Today I discovered there is yet another lack—that of faithfully covering this ministry, its leaders, and their families in prayer as they daily go to battle for the ministry and for those they minister to. We may not always have an opportunity to give financially but there need never be a lack of the abundant supply and outpouring of prayer.
“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you…” (1 Samuel 12:23).
And so, I confessed and repented today of failing to pray as I should for this ministry, its leaders, and their families. They give tirelessly and continually out of the abundance of their supply so that we are not lacking, how can we not do the same?
Join me in giving out of the abundance of our supply, granted to us by the Great Eternal Supplier from whom ALL blessings flow.
“Every good and perfect gift and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it’s time to pray for our persecuted leaders!
The Book of Prayers | Praying Covenant Prayers
If we don’t align our thinking with the New Covenant message, our prayer requests will take the pathway of selfish praying. New Covenant thinking is all about fulfillment versus asking for things – it is more like claiming what is already true about us and the allotment of our daily circumstances. Without this modality of thinking, the enemy will shift our focus from accepting existing sovereignty to begging for God to change His sovereignty to match our panic and fears. Note. He will not change His eternal plan to match humanity’s needs. However, since He knows what your needs are before you pray, He will fulfill all the requests that match His predestined care for you.
