The Ministry of Intercession - Day 30 - For the Holy Spirit with the Word of God

What to pray for

"because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake." - 1 Thessalonians 1:5

The last couple of days I've written a couple of blogs on the efforts being done getting the bible into all languages. It is a resource consuming and worthy effort that needs our prayer and support. 

But as Paul writes to the Thessalonians, the gospel comes not in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is not just something that was active back when the bible was formed through the writers (2 Tim 3:16) or is 'embedded' in the text and will come alive once read. It is true the Holy Spirit was active when scriptures were written and is till active today when read. But the Holy Spirit is so much more. A lot of bibles are being distributed, scriptures being read, and sermon preached without any immediate effect. Sharing the gospel is not a mechanical process where certain things will automatically succeed a prior action. 

It has to be done with the Holy Spirit:

"..the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven..." - 1 Peter 1:12

We therefore need to pray for the Holy Spirit to be active with the Word of God as it is being spread. Through the pastors sermon, through distribution of bibles in remote corners of the world whether it be on paper or by cell phone or if it is through us in our own neighborhood as we share the word with our neighbors. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide every time God's Word is being shared and to be effective in. 

How to pray

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, - Colossians 4:2-3

Almighty as God is he is still calling on us to intercede and welcoming and allowing us to influence by intercession. Therefore our task is to pray without ceasing. How is that possible keeping a job at the same time - you may ask? Paul is encouraging us to being watchful and with a heart of thanksgivin. This means that we look for things or opportunities where God can move, give him thanks for them and then asks him to move and expect the prayers to be answered! Entreat God if necessary! He has said we are his children and as such we have access to him!