“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” —MATTHEW 6:10

Why did Jesus spend all night in prayer? Why does Paul say “pray without ceasing”? Prayer is not only vitally important to our lives but necessary. God gave humankind dominion over all the earth, and in the exercise of it we can either keep God out or bring Him in. God’s sole strategy in this world is through people, and He works through people whose line of communication is always open to Him.

Subjective prayer changes us. It deepens and enriches our intimacy with God, but objective prayer has far reaching effects. Somewhere in Africa an abandoned child is receiving food, clothing, shelter and love because of prayer. Somewhere in a far away place, a frightened girl is returning home because of prayer. On a busy highway a tragedy is being averted because of prayer. Hospitals, clinics, churches, schools are being built in many countries where they are desperately needed, and all over the globe, hearts are submitting to Christ because of prayer.

Objective prayer is for the benefit of people we may never meet and for hundreds of organizations seeking to do the will of God. It is for the well being of this earth and all who live in it. Heaven is waiting to loose on earth what is good and to bind on earth what isn’t good, and it’s done through prayer. Intercession by prayer is bringing God into situations, not to get Him to serve our interests, but that His will might be done, His agenda fulfilled in every circumstance.

Contrary to what many believe, prayer is not powerful. God, alone, is powerful. It is disheartening to hear people say, “Well, all we can do now is pray,” as though that was their last resort when, indeed, it should be their first. There are wonderful possibilities through prayer, but it takes communion with God, and as busy as our lives may be, we need to make time to present our thoughts to God.

Prayer is how we build, solidify and enrich our intimacy with God. Constant communion with Him sets the Holy Spirit in motion to carry out God’s will in response to our prayers. Through prayer, we touch the heart of God and in our intercession with Him on behalf of others, we can reach the world and make a difference.

PRAYER: Dear Father, I want to pray for all those around the world who have dedicated their lives to your work. May your Spirit in them continue to strengthen and encourage them. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: Have I limited my prayer life to only those I know or is it far reaching around the globe?