Ten Minutes of Praying

"True intercessory prayer seeks not only to know God’s will and see it fulfilled, but to see it fulfilled whether or not it benefits us and regardless of what it costs us. True intercessory prayer seeks God’s glory, not our own." Unknown

Have you ever tried to pray for ten minutes........just ten minutes? Our pastor asked that we all pray for at least ten minutes before Sunday...........not in two minute prayers here and there through out the day, but ten minutes at one time.... He wanted us to pray an intercessory pray for the needs of others and the lost around us. My prayers are normally throughout the day when God brings something or someone to mind. Praying for ten minutes straight is something I haven't given much thought to.

There are so many distractions throughout the day. For the young mother, the baby cries with hunger or the toddler demands a cookie. For those with older children, there are school activities; ballgames, etc. For the fathers/husbands, there is work sometimes into overtime hours. Typically, whether a young mother, father or a retired grandmother, Satan sends distractions. First the phone rings; not once but twice. Next, the washer, apparently on overload, tilts and begins to buzz. Our pet jumps in our lap needing attention; the timer goes off indicating the cake is done, etc. So you determine you will pray upon getting into bed. Yet, you are so tired, you fall asleep after five minutes. Yes, Satan is alive and well and all of these things distract from the ten minutes of interceding for others through prayer.

When Jesus returned to Heaven after his resurrection, He told us He was sending the Holy Spirit to live within every believer. The Holy Spirit was to intercede between us and God. He was there to pray to God even when we didn't know how to word our prayers. According to Samuel, praying for others isn't a privilege but it's a command for all of us who are Believers:

“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you” 1 Samuel 12:23

So, I'll continue to try to pray for ten minutes before Sunday. First, I'll acknowledge my sins and ask for forgiveness. Then I will pray that God will soften my heart and lay someone on my heart who needs to know Him. I'll pray that God will bring to mind someone who has a physical or emotional need that I might fill.

What about you? Can you give ten minutes of your time in prayer for others? Satan won't like it but God can give you the strength to do it.