[Jesus said,] “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:20
One of the things that I keenly remember Theresa, a seasoned GEM and mature sister in Jesus, telling me about prayer during her debilitating illness was how some people would tell her they were praying for her and others would gently take her hands and pray with her. She always felt most loved and encouraged by those who prayed for and with her.
“I’m praying for you!” Maybe like me, you’ve said that to others more times then you can recount. Maybe like me, you’ve also failed to faithfully keep that promise. If so, God gives us direction in His Word on how we can stay true to our word.
Pray now! Shipwrecked ashore on the island of Malta, Paul was welcomed into the home of Publius, the chief official of the island. Publius’ father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul didn’t pay him a visit and tell him that he would be praying for him. Instead, Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him (Acts 28:8). If someone needs prayer, go, visit them and pray!
Pray specifically. When Paul communicated to others via letters that He was praying for them, he often laid out the specifics of His cries and pleas. To the Christians at Philippi and all believers he said: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight (Philippians 1:9). To the church at Ephesus and all believers he wrote: I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better (Ephesians 1:17). And to the church of Colosse and all believers everywhere with Timothy he penned: Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9). What an incredible prayer mentor we have in Paul! As we send out cards or emails, let’s replace “I’m praying for you!” with specific prayers. (Or include your praying in color picture for them!)
Pray faithfully. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12). Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2). Be an Epaphras to those you’ve promised to pray for! Paul told the church in Colosse that Epaphras is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured (Colossians 4:12). May we also be faithful and devoted to wrestling, fighting, and struggling in prayer for one another.
Prayer Step: Love deeply: Pray for and with those who need your prayers.
If we truly love people, we will desire for them far more than it is within our power to give them, and this will lead us to prayer. Intercession is a way of loving others. -Richard Foster
