Prayer to Build the Kingdom of God
What is the focus of our prayers?
John Knox: The Scottish Reformer
John Knox, the Scottish Reformer, was a mighty man of prayer. He was instrumental in bringing great reform and revival to Scotland. Here is an example of how he prayed:
“O Lord, give me Scotland, or I die!” After a time of stillness, again the cry, “O Lord, give me Scotland, or I die!” Once more, deep silence. Then again, the cry with more intense pathos, “O Lord, give me Scotland, or I die.” God gave him Scotland. He saved many from wrong faith to real salvation and pure doctrines.
China: A Powerful Example of Prayer
Another powerful example of the power of prayer is China. It was a communist-atheist country. Churches were closed, and Christians were eradicated from the land. The Bible was destroyed. However, believers from many nations interceded for China. At present, Chinese churches are among the fastest-growing churches in the world.
We often limit our prayers to personal needs. However, one of the best ways we can contribute to building the Kingdom of God is through prayer. Today, we will look into Kingdom-building prayers.
What is Kingdom-Building Prayer?
The Kingdom of God simply means the rule of God. Kingdom-building prayer primarily focuses on the needs of the Kingdom of God and its expansion. Without prayer, we may not be able to build the Kingdom of God in our lives and in our nation.
The disciples were unable to drive out a demon from a boy and asked Jesus why they couldn’t do it. Jesus replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer” (Mark 9:29). Prayer is the key to destroying the dominion of the devil and establishing God’s Kingdom in us. Let us see some examples now.
Epaphras: A Prayer Warrior
Colossians 4:12-13:
"Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis."
Epaphras was a prayer warrior for the churches at Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. He worked hard and diligently for these churches. He prayed for them fervently. The word "wrestling" indicates that he battled on behalf of these churches in the spiritual realm. His main prayer points were:
- That the church may stand firm in the will of God.
- That the church may be mature and fully assured in God.
Paul: Mobilizing Prayer for the Kingdom of God
Paul mobilized prayer for the Kingdom of God. Let us see two of his exhortations to churches to pray for the Kingdom of God.
Colossians 4:2-4:
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should."
Paul instructed the Colossian church to pray:
- Believers should devote themselves to prayer.
- Pray that God may open a door for sharing the gospel with non-believers.
- Pray for all ministers, so they may share the gospel clearly.
Ephesians 6:18-19:
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel."
Paul encouraged the Ephesian church to:
- Pray for all the saints, which includes ministers of God and believers.
- Pray for all preachers of the gospel, so they may receive the right words to speak fearlessly.
Early Believers: Establishing the Kingdom Amid Opposition
Acts 4:29-31:
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
The early believers prayed for:
- Those under threat because of their faith. The Jerusalem church prayed for God’s courage amid threats.
- Courage to preach the gospel even in the face of danger.
- Supernatural miracles to manifest in the Kingdom of God.
Let us continuously pray for our church, for sharing the gospel with others, for our nation, and for our non-believing relatives.