Praying for Saul

Scripture: Then I [Paul] went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me. Galatians 1:21-24

Observation:
Application:

Prayer: I lend my voice to what many pastors, including ours, have said. Lord ... I pray that there is a modern day Saul in the middle east right now, about to rise up out of the persecution of your church to instead preach the good new of Jesus Christ.

The enemy has emerged from the shadows, lord. He wears a black hood and openly broadcasts the terrible beheadings of your believers, for no reason than to insight fear and try to crush your word. We know that will not work! The enemy already tried that - when your church began, opponents decided to kill the faithful publicly in order to strike fear into the faithful and end their good work. Instead, you used that to bring forth a mighty waive of The Way throughout the world, spreading the good news of Jesus everywhere.

And at that time, one man reigned supreme in the persecution of the church. Saul presided over killings, aided in torture, personally hunted and arrested some for execution, and then ... discovered you, Jesus, and became Paul who spread the gospel throughout Asia Minor. He was stoned, beaten, arrested, tortured, and once resuscitated from the dead. He emerged from the side of he persecution to the side of the persecuted. The terror did not end, but he became the mighty warrior of your word.

So I pray for today's Saul. I pray for the man who is currently part of ISIS - who is presiding over beheadings, holding the cameras, hunting down Christians for arrest, beating and torturing believers - the man who is about to meet Jesus, convert, and become a mighty warrior for the gospel.

I pray for him NOW ... not a conditional pray that will apply after he converts, but I pray for him now, where he is, and how he is. I pray that he has a good day, a restful evening, and success in his life, for I know that all provision comes from you, and it is through provision you can reveal yourself. I pray he receive love - the love of his family, of friends, and of his community - for I know that all love is actually from you, and it is through that love you can reveal yourself. Mostly, I pray that very shortly he meets Jesus, be it through a miracle or an encounter with a believer, as certainly you can choose any means you wish to reveal yourself.

Please be with "Saul" today, grant him peace in his heart, and prepare him in strength to do the mighty work, which you have prepared in advance. I look forward to praising you, God, because of this man.

In the name if Jesus Christ, my lord and savior who provides all good things, I pray. Amen, and Amen.