8 July 2014 by Michael Cheng –
The next letter in the acrostic PRAYER is A, which stands for ‘Agenda’ or items and matters, people or issues, etc, that we want to talk to God about.
The agenda for prayers can be listed down to allow us to refer to the items, so that we do not forget to pray for them.
There are some things that we know God wants us to pray for which are already recorded in the Bible.
There are also some things that God has impressed upon our hearts to pray for, like petitions or supplications for our personal needs, or on behalf of other people such as our family members, church, community, our nation, and other countries.
The Bible says that if we ask according to Gods’ Will, we are confident that He will hear us. And if we know He hears us, then we can be assured that He will grant our requests. (1 John 5:14-15)
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14-15)
It is therefore, very important that we search the scriptures for what we know we should ask for that is according to God’s will. In other words, we should be able to back with scripture verses our requests if we want our prayers to be answered.
One obvious request is to ask for our daily bread (that is, our daily needs of food and financial provisions), and God’s blessings upon ourselves and our family members. We ought to pray specifically according to our needs, which may include health, finances, physical, emotional, and legal or spiritual protection and success in our endeavors, etc.
The following verse is often quoted as the scriptural basis for praying for a believer’s spiritual maturity, financial prosperity, and health.
3 John 2
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
However, we should not stop there or we would be very self-centred and God will not be pleased with us. God’s word exhorts us to intercede not only for our own needs but for the needs of others as well.
Eph 6:18-20
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
One important request we can include in our prayer agenda is the salvation of family members, relatives, friends, and others. We can ask for the salvation of the lost or those who do not know Christ, based on the scripture in John 3:16. We also know that God desires for all men to know His Saving Grace and accept His as their Personal Saviour. (2 Peter 3:9)
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
Eph 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
John 1:12
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
Another item that should be included in our agenda is prayer for our King and the government. We could pray for wisdom for them so they can have good governance and make wise decisions and policies that will benefit the people and nation. This will lead to peace and prosperity for our nation.
This means we are to pray for our nation that God’s truth, justice, and righteousness will prevail. Then, God’s Kingdom will be extended. (1 Tim 2:1-2)
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. (1 Tim 2:1-2)
Here are some of the prayer items I pray for daily:
- My wife, my children, and grandchild
- My parents, siblings, and relatives
- My friends and enemies
- My career and business
- My ministry within and outside the church
- My community and country
- Spiritual revival within the church—locally, nationally, and globally
To keep our agenda updated, we need to keep in close touch with our family members, relatives, and friends so that if they have a need, we can be available to pray and minister to them.
We also need to have contact with a close circle of friends so that we can uphold one another in prayer.
We should also be in the know on world affairs as this will enable us to pray intelligently, specifically, and strategically.
A pastor friend of ours regularly scans the newspaper to cut out news reports and articles on pressing issues to be shared with his prayer group, so that the group members can pray and intercede for these needs.
Thus, we need to ask God specifically what we need so that when we receive, we will have great joy. As we receive this joy, we will be further motivated to pray more, as stated in John 16:24.
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John 16:24)
The classic hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, reminds us to refrain from bearing needless pain, trials, temptations and sorrows, and to cast all these at the feet of Jesus by taking them to Him in prayer.
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Note: This reflection is an excerpt taken from the book ‘Man of the Hour’ written by Michael Cheng. Michael has held various management positions in the banking, educational, manufacturing sectors. He is a Founding Member and former National Secretary of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Malaysia (FGBMF). Michael has also held various leadership positions in the local church and Christian ministries. Currently, Michael coordinates the Prayer Shield in FGBMF. He holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Economics (Honors) degree and is a Certified Trainer. Michael is married to Kim and they worship in Full Gospel Assembly, Kuala Lumpur.
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