A prayer for leaders

by abePrayer, ScripturalPosted on Comments are Disabled

There is every possibility that if you are a Christian you attend a church. I don’t mean a building but in its true sense a group of people trusting and following Jesus. I see many leaders in these churches face great troubles. The enemy seeks to sift them all! Some have fallen, others persevere but we need to pray for them all, earnestly. Let us commit to pray, devote time and effort, set aside for them. They need it, desperately….Here is one if you need one. This could also be a prayer for you.

Fix their eyes on Jesus & their mind on His word

*Hebrews 12:1-3 SINGULAR & STEADFAST

looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. 

That fixing their eyes on Jesus they will endure their cross. Despite all that is around including the distractions, let them not look anywhere else. Let them not be discouraged or led astray by anything or anybody for He alone is the same yesterday, today and forever, our rock and refuge. Help them bear the cost and be resilient as He bore His reproach.

*Deuteronomy 11:18 MEDITATE & MEMORISE

18 “You shall therefore take these words of mineto heart and to soul; and you shall tie them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets on your forehead.

Help them invest in His word which is eternal, think deeply and commit it by heart, for then they will be like a tree planted by the waters bearing fruit in its season.

Their faith may not fail & strengthen their church family

*Luke 22:31-32 PERSEVERANCE/PROTECTION & PERSUASION

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to sift you men like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail; and you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

That their struggles and battles may not defeat them, pray He protect them. In their perseverance may they also strengthen others.

Words & boldness to declare the gospel

*Ephesians 6:19 CONTENT & CONFIDENCE

19 and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

Teach them what to say and how to say it – the good news. Both are necessary in gentleness. Help them be intentional in preparation to respond appropriately with confidence. Help them prepare for content and confidence

Be the faithful & sensible steward

*Luke 12:42 steWARDSHIP & WISDOM

42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?

Be faithful in the little things for we know they will be faithful in greater. Consistent even when no one is watching. God give them wisdom in all responsibilities to execute. 

PRAY!

My prayer and need

by abePrayer, ScripturalPosted on Comments are Disabled
Search me and know my heart
(Psalms 139:23)
Heal me and restore my soul
(Psalms 23:3)
Teach me and test my ways
(Psalms 25:4)
Refine me and let me shine
(Psalms 66:10)
To manifest your pure glory
(2 Corinthins 3:18)

We need Him every hour for this to happen.

Lord I need you, Oh I need you
Every hour I need you
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God how I need you

Listen to the song by Matt Maher and may God bless you

Mediation & Intercession

by abePrayer, Scriptural, TheologyPosted on Comments are Disabled

Sooner or later the teaching about mediation and intercession crops up. Here is a summarised Biblical narrative on this aspect. For a deeper dive go to this page.

Jesus: The Exclusive Way to God

Jesus declares Himself the sole path to the Father, emphasising His unique authority as the way, truth, and life. No other intermediary suffices. Authority is key and sets the stage.

  • John 14:6: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus: The Eternal Intercessor

Positioned at God’s right hand, Jesus intercedes perfectly, rendering additional mediators unnecessary.

  • Romans 8:34: Christ, who died and was raised, intercedes for us at God’s right hand.
  • Hebrews 7:24-25: His permanent priesthood ensures complete salvation for those who approach God through Him.

The Holy Spirit: Aligned Intercession

The Spirit intercedes in our weakness, always pointing to Jesus and aligning with God’s will.

  • Romans 8:26-27: The Spirit intercedes with groanings, according to God’s will.
  • John 15:26; 14:26: The Spirit testifies of Jesus and reminds us of His teachings.

Mary’s Role: Honoured but Limited

Mary was a blessed vessel, but her role as Jesus’ earthly mother ended at the cross. Obedience, not biology, defines spiritual significance.

  • Luke 2:19, 33, 48-49: Mary and Joseph marvel at Jesus, who clarifies His divine Father.
  • Luke 11:27-28: Jesus prioritizes obedience over Mary’s maternal role.
  • Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21: Those who do God’s will are His family.
  • John 19:26-27: Jesus publicly transitions Mary’s role, entrusting her to John.

Jesus: The Sole High Priest

Only Jesus, sinless and God-appointed, qualifies as High Priest, mediating atonement and access to God.

  • Hebrews 2:17; 4:14-16; 5:1-4; 9:14, 15, 22, 24, 28: Jesus, unblemished, offers Himself for our sins and appears in God’s presence.
  • 1 Timothy 2:1, 5: One God, one Mediator—the man Christ Jesus.
  • Hebrews 2:18: He helps in temptation, having suffered it Himself.

Other Mediators: Ineffective

No one else—living or dead—can mediate. Scripture warns against seeking intermediaries beyond Christ.

  • Luke 16:19-31: A chasm prevents post-death mediation, as seen in the rich man’s plea to Abraham.
  • James 5:14-16: Prayer is among the living, not through the departed.

Direct Prayer Through Jesus

Jesus invites prayer in His name, ensuring direct access to the Father for complete joy.

  • John 14:13-14; 16:24: Ask in Jesus’ name, and He will do it.
  • Hebrews 9:15: He mediates the new covenant through His death.

Completeness in Christ

Christ’s fullness eliminates the need for other mediators. Traditions that add to Him distract from truth.

  • Colossians 1:19-20; 2:8-10: All deity dwells in Christ; in Him, we are complete.

Conclusion: Christ Alone

Scripture unequivocally establishes Jesus as the only Mediator. Praying through others, like Mary or saints, lacks biblical support and distracts from knowing Jesus personally. His sacrifice alone secures salvation, and His priesthood grants direct access to God’s grace.