In the spring of 2013, North Korean church leaders requested that believers around the world pray for their country and the Christians who live there. They called for this intercession due to the saber-rattling of North Korea’s government, which had been conducting military exercises with war written all over them. One North Korean church leader stated at the time, “I would like to thank the many brothers and sisters around the world for their continuous love and support. We know that our journey will not be an easy one. . . . Please pray for us.”
The power of our prayers for other believers in Jesus can’t be overstated (James 5:16). This truth was lifted up by David as he wrote, “Rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power” (Psalm 108:6). The poet-king knew that human strength and means could not match the infinite resources that God alone possesses. David cried out to Him, “Please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless” (Psalm 108:12). The man who had once slain a giant warrior with just a sling and stone recognized that God—his Rock—was the One who made that miraculous event a reality, and that He alone could save His people (1 Samuel 17:40-50).
The final verse of Psalm 108:1-13 captures the essence of the psalmist’s message: “With God’s help we will do mighty things” (Psalm 108:13). This was why David was confident even as he faced his foes (Psalm 108:1). This was why he could praise God “with all [his] heart.” And this was why he prayed earnestly for God to help His “beloved people” (Psalm 108:6).
Take time today to pray for the believers you know personally and for others around the world. God still does mighty things as we call out to Him!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 40:1-38
More:
Take a look at what Paul calls us to do in Ephesians 6:18 and 1 Timothy 2:1.
Next:
What does it mean for you to know that other believers in Jesus are praying for you? Who will you pray for today?
Sheridan Voysey on February 17, 2014 at 4:46 am
Thanks Tom for these words. Images of Acts 12:5-9 come to mind – miraculous release from the clutches of power brought about by the prayers of the church.
Tom Felten on February 17, 2014 at 10:08 am
Good passage, Sheridan. All of us have some chains that we’re dealing with—regrets, sins, fears, and more. I’m thankful we can pray to the One who can break the chains!
Wayne on February 17, 2014 at 4:59 am
I believe we should remember to pray for Christians around the world who don’t have the freedom we have & be thankful that we are free !
Pray for others and God will take care of your needs ! Thankful, Wayne
Tom Felten on February 17, 2014 at 10:11 am
Good thoughts, Wayne. It truly is a blessing to be able to pray for others!
Gary Shultz on February 17, 2014 at 7:41 am
Thank you. We meet God with a seed of prayer, He makes a tree.
Tom Felten on February 17, 2014 at 10:12 am
Love this thought, Gary. Faith even as small as a mustard seed . . .
Roxanne Robbins on February 17, 2014 at 8:08 am
Thank you for the good reminder to intercede, through prayer, on behalf of our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world — today, particularly those in N. Korea.
Roxanne Robbins on February 17, 2014 at 8:11 am
rather than “today,” I should commit to ongoing prayer for the people in N. Korea. I can’t begin to imagine the plight of the people there or grasp the extent of their suffering but know enough that I should be in prayer for them far more than I am. Thanks for the exhortation to be more faithful in prayer, Tom.
Tom Felten on February 17, 2014 at 10:14 am
Roxanne, thanks for lifting up the idea of an ongoing commitment to our brothers and sisters serving Jesus around the world! It’s my privilege to often prayer for you as you faithfully serve Him in Uganda.
Mike Wittmer on February 18, 2014 at 8:02 am
Thank you for this reminder that there are good people, our brothers and sisters, in North Korea, who are more troubled by their government leaders than we are.