How my heart has grown cold...

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

                                                      Matthew 24:12

     How my heart has grown cold over the years. I remember times in college when I used to just place my hand over the Voice of the Martyrs persecution prayer map and God would cause my heart to lactch on to a certain country. I knew I was to start praying for that country. My eyes would start to water and before long my prayers of intercession would be joined by heaving sobs. I would pour out my heart and lay my burden at the altar as I petitioned heaven to intervene on the behalf of those being persecuted for His name's sake in that country. I'd never watch the clock and count the minutes so I have no idea how long it took. It would never fail to move me deeply.

     I also remember at a conference for Christian college students a time was set aside for praying for the soul harvest of other countries. It was asked of the intercessors to come forth and pray. I went up and received a country and started praying with a team of other intercessors from various ministries. Again, time passed with no recognition as we poured out our collective hearts for those lost souls in that country. I really felt like I was in the throne room of heaven letting out and spilling forth all of my petitions and concerns for this country at the feet of God.

     As I look back on those times I can only lament and repent for the hardness that has come over my heart. Repent for the busyness that has crowded out the necessary time an intercessor needs to appropriate to the call to prayer that Jesus places on their hearts and minds each day. Repent for all the times I've said, "I'm praying for you." and didn't make time during the day or days following to actually get on my knees and pray for that person.

     As I sit here, typing this all out, I wonder...what's holding me back. Jesus has set me free from the chains that so easily seek to ensnare me. Truly, what is holding me back. Excuse me as I go before the Lord in prayer....

11:01 AM - Sep. 1, 2005 - post comment

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Persecution