The gospels are written to tell the life of Jesus.
Of the many wonderful things that are written, the scriptures tell us that his life was lead by constant prayer to his heavenly Father. He often spent time alone in prayer, but he also prayed in the presence of others. He was very particular about those who ministered with him. In the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, he was approached by a centurion of the synagogue named Jairus for the healing of his daughter; she was very close to death. One object lesson from this event is that prayer time is serious time, even to the point of who is present at the time of prayer. Not everyone that was at the house was allowed to be present at the time the damsel was healed. Only those that had a common faith foundation were allowed to stay in the room. (Luke 8:41-42; Mark 6:46)
Prayer warriors have a common faith foundation to (1) believe that God is (2) believe in the saving grace of Jesus and (3)pray for the needs of people. These three are necessary to be overcomers in our life in Christ Jesus. There will be times when we will not agree with the understanding of scriptures and other matters in life, but differences are a part of life. We become winners during those times when we solve our differences without sin. Jesus called each disciple by name and he taught them the foundation on which to build their life. They had differences in life experiences and personalities. Jesus labored with the twelve giving us an example that we must labor with each other. With our common faith foundation, we can be very effective prayer warriors. We must constantly set aside the things that will hinder us, as we strive to work in our ministry of charity. Pray in the Holy Spirit to keep your mind and ask for wisdom. “If any man lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (Hebrews 11:6; James 1:5).
In the inner circle of Jesus, his close confidants were the disciples Peter, James and John. Jesus knew that they had a calling in the ministry and would be the leaders of the New Testament church. Peter was quick to respond and react, which worked for his benefit later in life. He became a very devoted leader in the church community. He received a powerful message while in a trance, translating that salvation was not only for the Jews, but for the Gentiles. “Whom God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” James was the older brother of John. Not too much is written about his works. He was a devout follower of Christ. John was known as the beloved disciple. He wrote the gospel and the book of revelation. Each had memorial encounters with Jesus. They were present at the transfiguration. Just to set at his feet was plenty, but to walk with him and to share in these types of ministerial moments was truly an eye opener to the power of God. Christ allowed them to be present to prepare them for the great work that they would do. (Matthew 17:1-2; Acts 10:15-35).
In the gospel of Luke, when Jesus and the father had arrived to his house, there was much noise from the people because it was told that the maiden had died. Jesus reply was that she was not dead but sleepeth. The people laughed him to scorn. But Jesus encouraged the father to be not afraid, only believe. Those were very important words because when fear is present, we begin to doubt. Jesus put out the non-believers. It is significant to note that he only allowed Peter, James, John and the damsel’s parent to remain in the room. When it is praying time, we do not need people around who take the works of God lightly. Jesus was giving an object lesson at that time, that prayer time is serious time and only those who are ready and sincere are worthy to pray. When the room was cleared Jesus proceeded to do the work of his father. Those that were part of the inner circle of prayer, believed the words the he had spoken to those around him earlier, “weep not, she is not dead, but sleepeth.” “He said to her, Tal’ithacu’mi, which is being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.” The damsel arose and walks. Jesus commanded that she be given something to eat. (Luke 8:41-42; Mark 14:37-38)
In conclusion, there is a promise from Jesus when we enter into our inner circle of believers, “for where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Satan wants to either keep us apart, or have people among us who do not believe, who will cause us to fear. He does not want us to come together in the unity of Jesus is our savior. There is strength in unity. When we come together in the name of Jesus, we can anticipate the blessings of God. (Matthew 18:20)
Pastor Tylvia E. Koromah The Path of Righteousness Church in Christ
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