TO THE BIBLE: Luke 22:44
“And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
LET’S TALK
The Gospel we’ve been commissioned to preach and teach is the only hope and power for the salvation of mankind. That’s why praying the right way for its message to transform lives and make maximum impact is so important. You have to travail in prayer for the souls of men. Jesus prayed this way in Luke 22:44. The word translated “agony” there is the Greek “agonia,” which means “a struggle, as in, a fight”; it means contending with someone for something. It’s a wrestle, a fight of faith, a contention for the souls of people. In this kind of prayer, you’re literally seizing those lives from the stranglehold of satan.
Take for example, the case of a Christian who has become wayward and no longer takes spiritual activities seriously. You’d have to “agonise” and travail in prayer for him so he would become passionate again about the things of the Spirit. He may have stayed away from church, but you make your mind up to take church to him, to go share the Word with him that would strengthen and inspire him. However, you must first ensure that his heart is prepared to receive your message through this kind of prevailing prayer. Otherwise, he may listen to everything you say and remain unchanged.
Therefore, agonise for his soul; plead with tears on his behalf to the Lord, that He would grant him repentance unto the acknowledging of the truth. As you do this, the Spirit of God will move on his heart, and grace will be released on his behalf for a change.
Go Deeper
Genesis 32:24; Jeremiah 29:7 NIV; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Hebrews 4:15-16
Pray
Dear Father, I thank you for the power of prevailing prayers over those whom you’ve given me a responsibility to reach with the Gospel. I’m stirred today and I declare that the light of your glorious Gospel shines in their hearts, dispelling darkness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1, Psalms 139-141
TWO YEAR
Luke 19:1-10, 1 Samuel 14
Act
Spend some time praying for those you know that haven’t heard the Gospel and for those Christians who have been living in a wayward manner.