42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (The Gospel According to Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 42-45, New International Version)
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (Peter’s First Letter, Chapter 4, Verse 10, New International Version)
September 1, 2013
Over the past few months, two situations have changed my prayer life. First, it was a suggestion about two months ago from my friend and prayer partner Benson Agbortogo that set the stage. He said that to attack the problems facing me I should begin praying for at least 7 people who had worse problems than I. The number 7 is, of course, one of those special numbers in the Bible. The number 7 also related to the fact that I had done some demographic research and calculations indicating some 700,000 men in the U.S. are facing major problems similar to mine.
So over the weeks, I began adding names to the group of those for whom I pray during my morning prayer walk. I now have 16 new names on my list.
Then just a couple of weeks ago during my prayer walk as I prayed for individuals as well as the 700,000 I don’t know, a sudden insight flashed across my mind. It felt like a ray of sunshine piercing gloom and fog: Pray for how I may be of service to these people. I normally prayed for blessings and the will of God in the lives of these folks and for favor with them. But I never thought to pray to be of service.
I felt sure that I would soon begin to see answers to this change in my prayers. I wasn’t sure how I would know or how it would happen or when, but I was sure. Today, I realized that just within the last two days I have begun to see answers to these prayers.
In the case of one family, I was able to help them in their housing search after a recent job change and relocation. In another case,I was able to share some very important information with one fellow facing some problems similar to mine.
It was just last night that I learned a very good friend had intervened in a major way to help a lady for whom I was praying. So now I have the opportunity to support this friend in serving this lady whose needs are so great.
I am looking forward with great anticipation to the answers yet to come. This is exciting.