Kingdom Work

In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus teaches that seeking after His kingdom should be highest on our priority list.

So how do we seek the Kingdom of Heaven?
Do we go to bible college and seminary? Do we move to third world countries and minister to the poor? Should we stand on street corners and preach the gospel?

There are some who are called to do those things. We need to be faithful and pray for them.

There is another calling, a more common calling, I think. In I Timothy 2:1-4, the Apostle Paul teaches that we are to pray for others so that we can live quiet, peaceful lives. Of course, we share our faith with others and be faithful witnesses as we travel down life's road.

Prayer is a powerful thing. God instituted it as a form of communication between Him and His children. In Revelation 5:8, our prayers are described as incense.

Kingdom work can be done from a kneeling position. The gospels tell us of how Jesus would rise early in the morning and pray. John 17 gives us an inside look at one of Jesus' prayers.

One of the Apostle Paul's friends, a man named Epaphras, is described as someone who 'wrestles' in prayer for others. That is how I want to be. I have friends in ministries all over this country and around the world. I should be faithful and wrestle in prayer for them that they will be safe and affective and strengthened and refreshed daily. That they grow strong in their faith and are sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I should wrestle in prayer for those around me who are lost and groping in the darkness. That their eyes will be opened and their hearts softened. That I will be able hold up the Light of Truth and hold out the hope that Jesus offers. I should wrestle in prayer for my brothers and sisters in the local church, that they will be strengthened and refreshed daily so that they too will be able to wrestle in prayer and wield the Sword of Truth.

One of my favorite examples of how prayer helps is found in Acts 12:1-17. Christian brothers and sisters are earnestly praying for Peter, who is in prison. God hears them, and sends an angel to bust him out. It's kind of a funny story.

Prayer. It's important for Kingdom work.