You Gotta Pray

When I was completing one of my student teaching rotations in college, I was introduced to the music of a folk singer named Raffi. He sang fun songs for younger children and one of my favorites was You Gotta Sing. The song speaks of doing what the Spirit tells you to do and was based on an African-American spiritual hymn.

Well, today the Spirit is saying You Gotta Pray—and so for those of you who will—please join me today in a simple time of prayer.

Here are some ways to consider praying:

1. Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving I usually begin talking with God by thanking Him and praising Him for how He is at work in my life and for the things He is doing behind the scenes. Psalm 9:1 says “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
2. Prayer of Intercession This is probably where we spend the bulk of our time praying–on behalf of others and their needs which is the meaning of the word intercede. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
3. Standing in the Gap This type of prayer is specific for those who can not pray or will not pray for themselves or their needs. You are making the bridge between God and their needs because they need a voice. Examples of this kind of prayer might be praying for someone who is angry at God or opposed to God and won’t pray on their own, praying against cultural or social issues that are destructive, or praying for those who are involved in harmful behaviors or acts of rebellion. This type of prayer is based on Ezekiel 22:30 that says, “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” Back in Biblical times, the cities had walls of protection around them. When part of the wall was destroyed, they would place a guard on duty to protect the city from being invaded at the weak point. When we are praying for others in this way then we are “standing in the gap” for them.

Today I don’t have many words because it’s a simple message . . .

You gotta pray when the Spirit says pray!

If you have a specific prayer need please share in the messages, and I will take the time to pray over them. It would be my pleasure!

If you’d like to join me in a specific prayer–please pray for me as I prepare for the speaking engagements in Alabama and Georgia for the next 2 months. I’d really appreciate those prayers!