Mrs. Opal Ford, known affectionately as "Miss Opal," went on to be with the Lord last month on 9/16/2001. She was a retired art teacher whose love for the Lord moved her to study God’s Word and all things biblical on a daily basis for the past 25 years, pursuing knowledge as if it were a full-time job. By the time she reached her 80’s, Miss Opal had filled many notebooks with the results of her studies, and left them in the capable hands of the Rev. Harold Vick, the pastor of the First Foursquare Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Her hope was that her writings could be used to minister to others in some way, and Pastor Vick believes that they can. 

One of the things Miss Opal wrote that captured the interest of Pastor Vick was a global prayer, the idea coming from I Tim. 2:1-2. It is in two parts, leading one to pray for the unsaved -- those who do not know Jesus as personal savior, and then the saved -- those who are believers and followers of Jesus. 

By living in Florida, an increasingly multi cultural state, Pastor Vick recognizes the difficulty of ministering to all people while hindered by a language barrier. However, recognizing the importance of prayer in all that we do, and being mindful of Christ’s admonition to go into all the world and preach the gospel, Pastor Vick says, "We could take the first step by trying to share the global prayer with all who are asking, ‘how do you get started?’" 

You, no matter what your circumstances, can be a part of a world-wide evangelistic movement. Never under-estimate the power of prayer. You can follow Opal Ford’s example by praying a global prayer, either in your own words or by following the words she penned. Perhaps you will be moved to write down scriptural prayers of your own. Remember, God promises that His word will not return void. 

Prayer for the Unsaved 

Father God in heaven, I lift all the unsaved who live on this earthly world up to You and ask You to send your workers across their path that they may hear the Word where the true Word has not been heard. And come into the knowledge of this truth and, as you draw them with cords of love, that they may take Jesus Christ as their Savior, Redeemer, Healer and three-fold Baptizer. And that they grow in stature and in truth, for You are Truth. 

I especially pray for kings and rulers of nations, for You say in your written Word that the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord and like the rivers of water, You turn it in whichever direction that you desire. And I ask You, Lord God Almighty, to turn these hearts toward You. I ask this in the name of Your Son, the Holy, Self-existent Jehovah, even Jesus. Amen!  

Prayer for the Saved 

Father God in heaven, I lift the saved up toYou that You may provide them with prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, that the saints may be perfected and edified. And I ask You to raise up deep deliverance teams that understand how to discern, bind and loose demonic spirits and deliver your children from the evil one; that each one may fulfill the calling that You have given each one, even the joint-heirs with Jesus, Your body, Your church, that the whole body may be fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies and that the body may be increased and edified in love, for You, Lord God, are Love. 

And, heavenly Father, I ask that You draw each person with cords of love into the house of worship where You would have each one to be, for You say in Your Word, "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together." And, Father, I ask that You give each person a thirst for Your Word and deep revelation knowledge of the meaning thereof as they hear, read or commune with You through prayer. Give each person a vision of You, that they may know for a certainty that You are the Self-existent One. Place in each one a tithing heart, that they may plant a seed in good ground so that You, as only You can do, multiply it back, for some can plant and some can water, but only You can give increase. 

I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and I know that You have heard my supplication, and that You will bring it to fruition in due season. 

Father, we know it is the time and the season, and we wait for the day and the hour, and I say, even so, come quickly, even now in the twinkling of an eye, and draw us into the sky, even into the third and highest heaven, that we may be with You even now and forever more. 

JESUS

For You and You alone are our blessed hope.

Amen! 

The above prayer is included in a tract written by Opal Ford. If you would like to request the tract for use in your church or community, please write to "Global Prayer," 3536 University Blvd No., Jacksonville, FL 32277.

Copyright 2001 by Brenda B. Covert