Devotional Focus: Moving the Hand of God

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

One of the great and blessed mysteries of prayer is that it can move the hand of God in powerful ways to stir peoples’ hearts to receive His salvation. Intercession is coming into God’s presence and intervening in prayer on behalf of someone who needs His help or saving grace. This kind of prayer can be likened to naval bombardments of enemy beachheads that soften the enemy’s defenses and make it possible for territory to be taken. When we intercede for someone, Satan’s bondages can be broken, hearts can be softened, and doors opened for witness by us or others who might cross their path.   

While on his missionary journeys, Paul pleaded with fellow Christians to “pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3, ESV). He was aware of the power of intercessory prayer to move God’s hand to open doors of ministry.

While prayer is vitally important, it also is crucial that we personally take opportunities that come our way to share hope and faith with others. In those cases we can be answers to our own or someone else’s intercession on behalf of the lost. God’s hand can move in powerful ways when we pray!

John Maempa