It is somewhat
difficult to talk about praying for others. We don't want to brag or seem
arrogant in our regular practice of Christianity. Others pray too! Yet, as
members one of another, our love and respect overrides our reticence so that
our prayer support may encourage God's people.
In a conversation
several years ago, one of my professors shared with me that he had a list of
people, ministers and friends that he prayed for regularly. A dear friend and
colleague used to ell me regularly, "I call your name in prayer everyday." These statements , by men I
respect, impacted me so strongly that I
could neither forget nor ignore them. So I formed my own list and have been
praying regularly for those on it.
Recently, our
church's Residing Bishop sent a communiqué to all the pastors in Alabama
encouraging us to encourage one another through prayer. He didn't specifically
state that we should tell others we are praying, but that seems like the
logical thing to do if our prayers are to encourage them . It certainly feels good when the
Bishop sends us a note that he is praying for all pastors and the churches we
serve.
Paul took it a step
further by explaining why he was praying. First, his prayer for them was
because of their "faith in the Lord Jesus." Second, his prayer for
them was because of their " love for all God's people." Note that Paul doesn't mention doctrinal
agreement or a buddy list. Simply, I pray for you because of your faith in the
Lord Jesus and because you love God's people.
Of course, we
recognize the limitations of making a prayer list. Sometimes we simply have to
generalize and pray for "all the saints" or "all those who look
for his appearing." Yet, there are friends, family and colleagues whom God
will impress on us. Those are the ones who form our list. They need our
encouragement. In addition to praying, perhaps we should call them or text them
or email them and let them know they are on our list.
Dear Father, thank
you for those who have put their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Encourage all
your people as they endure today. Grant
to all our friends, family and colleagues the wisdom and revelation of your Spirit.
This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today in prayer for those on your list,
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