Read: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30, Philippians 4:1-23, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 24:17-20
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6)
Relate: OK, but first…
They were in trouble. Haman, one of the most powerful bureaucrats in the world decided it was time to rid the planet of the Jews. Long before Hitler, this evil man through trickery and bribes got this “final solution” passed is law and that fateful day was approaching. Esther the queen had been told of the plot but in order to save her people she must risk her own life. After some hesitation, she finally agrees to take the risk with the words, “OK, but first…”
React: I don’t know why God chooses to work through prayer. I don’t know why He doesn’t just do what He wants to do. I’ve read the arguments. One of my favorite books of all time is Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets. I’ve read Copeland. I’ve read EM Bounds, Dick Eastman, and Jack Hayford. There are some great books on prayer out there, and even more important that reading and studying about prayer, I am a pray-er. I’ve seen prayer at work in my own life, I’ve seen and heard countless testimonies from others. God is still a God of wonders and those He chooses to do through prayer. That’s just the way it is.
Esther knew this. She needed to call in the prayer support. There was too much on the line both personally and for her people to just go waltzing in to present her request to the king. That was why she answered with, “OK, but… before I do. Please have everybody spend three days in fasting and prayer for her.”
Do you have a dream? Do you have a vision? Has God called You to something greater? Great. Your best response will always be, “OK, but first…
OK, God, I know this is what You have called me to do. But before I begin I need to spend some time in fasting and prayer.” Even better, find out who the prayer warriors in the church community around you are. Esther didn’t just fast and pray herself, she asked for others to do it for her. Get tapped in to a prayer network. God longs to move on your behalf and He chooses to do so through prayer.
Respond: Rather than me writing out a short personal prayer as I normally do here, why not use the comment section to post prayer needs. Rather than the many encouraging comments (for which I am always grateful), lets lift each other up in prayer. What have you been praying for? What have you been knocking on heavens gates about? Let us be a community praying together for these needs. Then let’s be a community praising together when we see these needs met.
THE RIVER WALK 
Great article BJ! and this is one of my favorite articles that has gotten me through various challenges and trials. I have been praying for marriages, individuals around the world whom I know not of but God does that need Jesus and the good news preached to them. I always pray regarding my family and for the leaders everyone from Kings, Oueens, the President and others who are in leadership and authority. I also pray that the Lord will show me clearly what my purpose is and how I am to fulfill it.
Right now I lift you up BJ, I ask God to continue to bless and equip you for every good work. I pray that he will prepare you and send you a harvest. I pray that you will reach millions through your outreach ministry and the Two Rivers church in Jesus name I pray. Amen
Thank you so very much for all you do. You are a blessing beyond word or measure in your faithfulness to God and to us. I would love to ask for prayer for a health concern I am having. I do not normally ask for prayer, being a private person, but I felt led and moved by your request. Thank you so much for this chance–God knows the concern I have, I just ask for prayer that He would respond through the prayers of His people. Thank you so much.
God bless you for this platform. Scripture says we should be anxious for nothing but with prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving, our requests should be made known to God. As we’ve made our requests, we should constantly be in a state of Thanksgiving. The answers to our prayers are not far away.
I’m praying that God grants me wisdom. The wisdom to always make correct decisions. Amen.
I am in need of prayer. I am a multi-talented woman laid low by bipolar depression. I’m in a valley of dry, dry bones. I’m not being honest with ,my psychiatrist or husband/best friend about how depressed I am. To say my music and teaching ministries are being compromised is an understatement. I am a pray-er who cannot pray. I covet your prayers. Thank you.
Thank you for your transparency and honesty. We all have been in that valley, but it is in the valley that God does His greatest work. Let those close to you be strong for you. God told me that a long while ago and I am still a work in progress. I am new to the blogging world but have found much healing in telling my own story with transparency as yours. Come visit sometime – trulylinda.com. Blessings I will keep you lifted before His throne.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for all who know You, are getting to know You and are obedient to Your Word. God, I thank You for responding to every need, great or small as only You can. Thank You for healing bodies–from the crowns of our heads to the soles of our feet and every part (organ, cell, muscle, tissue) in between. Thank You for touching our minds so we can think clearly and responsibly. Thank for meeting financial needs and giving us wisdom to live as You would have us to live. Give us insight and revelation and greater understanding as to how we are treat others and to glorify You in doing so. I thank You for the gifts and talents of all who use them to Your glory. I further thank You for giving us power to get wealth and giving us the desires of our hearts when we please You. Create in us O God a desire to please You so we will stay in position to help others as You direct us, to Your glory. We praise You for who You are–all You have done, are doing, and will do in our lives. Amen!
I guess your blog was exactly what I needed to read today. 🙂 Thank you.
Yes! Thank you for the book recommendation!
I have been praying for His direction about where He wants us to go after this internship and how He wants me to use this opportunity that He has blessed us with.
Jesus, I thank you for not leaving me, I thank you for your comfort in this storm. The fog at times seems to be thicker than I can handle. I have no doubt you are here with me as I am at peace. I ask for clarity and that I be able to find a job as I feel close to breaking apart. I know you hold me, but can you hold me a little tighter? I love you Jesus, I thank you that I am able to learn who you are and that I am your favorite :)… You are my favorite too.. I pray that my struggles are a help to others and that they may be able to see your light and not my shortcomings…I love you, In your most holy name, Jesus Chirst, Amen
Lord Jesus, I pray for Janny is this time of need. A job would mean so much to her. But not just any job, but the position in the place and with the people that you want her to be. May it be a job that will start her a new direction, that will confirm her as a woman of God. I ask that you will help her not to focus on her lack but on your sufficiency. I know the pain of joblessness–19 months one time–but as you provided for me and my family may you also provide for Janny.
And yes, Lord, I ask for relief from the pain of my total knee replacement. You are good, and you will meet our needs, O Father God.
Father I ask for reconcilation, I ask for a release of all that ties me, I ask to be baptised in the Spirit. I am sorry I am not always obedient, I am sorry there are times when I do not bring glory to your Kingdom because of my responses and I am sorry for all my shortcomings but I thank you from the deepest place in my heart for loving me. Amen.
Hi thank you for writing this, this blog entry of yours is very inspiring. I do have a prayer for myself right now which was the reason I guess why I kinda started blogging again. I needed a venue to clear my heart and mind of thoughts, where I can just post my worries away and not think about it for awhile. Btw, thank you for visiting my site. If you can include me somehow in your prayers I’d really appreciate it, I’ve been praying that I’d get promoted at work within the next six months. Keep on writing and inspiring people, please know that you’re doing a good thing.
My honest prayer desire is to be healed totally physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and completely and to always be healthy and whole. I desire for my husband and children to always be healthy and whole in all areas for the rest of our lives. I’ve prayed Lord let your will be done but deep down inside I desire to be healed never needing to have to ask for healing again if that makes sense. It may sound selfish and immature but this is my truth. If it’s selfish or even if many think Its foolish it’s still my desire.
Lord in Heaven, Shamiekadean feels such need for healing in all areas of her life. I pray for the assurance of your presence in her life, in the lives of her husband and children. Comfort her and show her your love for her, O Lord. Renew her, now that she might rise up as a woman of God, focusing on you and your love, precious Jesus. Amen.
Great post! Very inspiring. I need healing (after a stroke 4 months ago), and confirmation that the new direction I feel led in in my life/schooling is the right directions. Blessings to you all.
Thank you for this post. I read Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets a long time ago. I think maybe its time I revisited it. Sometimes life throws nasty curveballs at us and it’s easy to feel, after a while when the answer to our prayers doesn’t come straight away or in the form we’d like, to assume that prayer is pointless, that somehow everyone else’s prayers will be answered but not ours.
I’ve been in that place recently. But I think I’m coming out of it. I’d really appreciate prayer for my marriage which, after a rough time, has come under great pressure from financial and working circumstances.
I am so touched too by the other comments here and pray that God meets with every one of the persons who have posted. That regardless of whether their prayers get answered now or in the way they expect, that they will all feel the comfort and love of the Lord.
Reblogged this on Glenford's Daily Word, Food, & The Vine.
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Hi, I just nominated you for a Liebster Award. You can find the details at http://secretsofchristianconfidence.com/2013/10/08/winning-a-liebster-award/. You have a great blog and have definitely earned it.