WHAT TO PRAY.--That God's People may Realise their Calling
="I will bless thee; and be thou a blessing: _in thee_ shall _all the families of the earth_ be blessed."=--GEN. xii. 2, 3.
="God be merciful _unto us_, and bless _us_; and cause His face to shine _upon us_. That Thy way may be known _upon earth_, Thy saving health _among all nations_."=--PS. lxvii. 1, 2.
Abraham was only blessed that he might be a blessing to all the earth. Israel prays for blessing, that God may be known among all nations. Every believer, just as much as Abraham, is only blessed that he may carry God's blessing to the world.
Cry to God that His people may know this, that every believer is only to live for the interests of God and His kingdom. If this truth were preached and believed and practised, what a revolution it would bring in our mission work. What a host of willing intercessors we should have. Plead with God to work it by the Holy Spirit.
HOW TO PRAY.--As One who has Accepted for Himself what he Asks for Others
="Peter said, What I have, I give unto thee.... The Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.... God gave them the like gift, as He gave unto us."=--ACTS iii. 6, xi. 15, 17.
As you pray for this great blessing on God's people, the Holy Spirit taking entire possession of them for God's service, yield yourself to God, and claim the gift anew in faith. Let each thought of feebleness or shortcoming only make you the more urgent in prayer for others; as the blessing comes to them, you too will be helped. With every prayer for conversions or mission work, pray that God's people may know how wholly they belong to Him.