January 17, 2010

Dear Friend,

An important part of being a Christian is praying for others. Intercessory prayer is a vital part of the Christian community of believers. We should pray as much for others as we pray for self. This world, this nation, and the Church members should be a part of our daily prayers for God’s constant intervention in all we do. Pray for the work; pray for the members and our families. “...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints –“  Eph 6:18.

This life is a life of trials that we all eventually have to deal with. Human beings, by design, have problems because we live in a world that is not God’s world; therefore, troubles develop. They are inevitable. We must be close to each other to be able to discern when a brother or sister needs spiritual help to fight the daily trials. Satan is always looking to attack where possible. When we see an attack, we should be praying for God’s intervention. Remember, the Bible says “And when you pray,” which seems to me to be saying that prayer is a constant part of our lives.

Satan tries to interfere with our prayers by putting into our minds thoughts that are negative and self-destructive. That is the way he operates. We must fight to think positively and to overcome all our negative thoughts and look to help others. One of the best ways to conquer prayer blockage is to pray for others first then your own need afterward. Satan cannot hinder you if you realize that you are fighting a spiritual battle in the same arena as all other Christians. Never forget we are all in this together.

We are not fighting self in the classic sense of just carnal mind; we are fighting Satan’s mind and his thoughts projected in us. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Eph 6:10-13.

Using the Spirit of God is the key to overcoming the mind and the tremendous influence of Satan. He is too powerful for us to overcome by self. It takes a superior power. ”Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Rom 8:26-27. The battle is always on, and we must never give up.

In the service of Christ,
Ronald W. Laughland

Pastor