God’s Prayer Purposes for COVID-19
I have no doubt that more believers than ever before in our nation are engaging in regular prayer. Why? Because we are in crisis.
Truth be told, most believers are “crisis pray-ers.” When there is something going on in their life that concerns them and needs changing, they can pray. But when things are normal, are relatively good, many believers do not pray more than little prayers here and there.
Jon Graf used to be that way. In his podcast Understanding the Purposes of Prayer, Jon shares how he moved from just being a crisis pray-er, to a believer who connected with God each day in a meaningful way… and in a way that desired to grow Christ’s kingdom.
“When we have an understanding of the two primary purposes of prayer,” says Graf, “we pray more, with more passion and effectiveness.”
“”If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you’ (John 15:7, NIV)’ is the most-quoted prayer promise in Scripture,” relates Graf. “As I studied the entire vine and the branches passage of John 15, I came to realize that the promise of verse 7 is so tied into what comes before.”
Prayer is designed to grow a relationship with God (draw from Christ as the vine, remain in Him, listen to His words) and as we do that, our desire to pray what is on His heart rather than what is on our own heart, grows. Only then we begin to see John 15:7 come into play.
Graf believes that God will use the situation we are currently in to bring about revival in the church and an amazing spiritual awakening, the largest the world has ever seen. Almost every significant revival and awakening in history started in times of social disruption and desperation. As God is raising up more and more people to pray, we need to help believers grow beyond just praying for their own needs, into ones who pray God’s kingdom purposes.
An understanding of the purposes of prayer will help people move into this deeper level of prayer. Listen and share Graf’s Pray Beyond podcast Understanding the Purposes of Prayer for encouragement and inspiration.
