Prayer Focus: Proclamation of the Good News
Reading: 2 Timothy 1:6-12
For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to[a] a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
The Apostle Paul
Comments:
You want words of hope during the uncertainty of life? Here it is, “who (Jesus) abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” What a glorious statement!
It is this reality and full conviction that fuels his mission: “I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.” This mission would be fulfilled in the midst of suffering but rather than shame or fear he makes this great statement: “I know whom I have believed.” We can trust God no matter the circumstances, the opposition or the misrepresentations of others.
As we move to prayer may we be reminded of the wonder of what Jesus has done. May it fuel our faithfulness to the proclamation of this good news!
Prayer Prompts:
(1) Lord Jesus, fill me with your Spirit. You did not give us a
spirit of fear but of love, power and self-control (v7). Banish
fear as I seek to speak for you. Grow love for the lost in me,
power to stand and speak for you & self-control in all my words
and deeds.
(2) May I never be ashamed (v8), may I know your call (v9), you
have destroyed death & brought life (v10), we are heralds of the
gospel (v11), I believe you will guard me (v12).
