“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers” – Philemon 1:4
There have been times in my life when circumstances have been so daunting that I had a very difficult time praying. One example was when I faced a frightening health diagnosis. Another was when I hit a wall in my career path, and one more was when I was told by my pediatrician that my newborn baby might not survive. The fear was so overwhelming that it crippled me, and my faith was hanging on by a thread.
During each of these occasions, and many others, I depended on others for their support and their prayers. I know without a doubt that the prayers of my family and friends sustained me through those challenging days, and without their intercession for me, the journey would have been so much more difficult to negotiate. I will be forever grateful for their prayers for I know that their petitions on my behalf touched the heart of God, and He, in His great mercy, answered each one.
There are several verses in the Bible that say we should pray for one another. 1 Timothy 2:1 states, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” We are told in Scripture to pray about everything. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6), and to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
To be a prayer warrior for family and friends is a privilege and honor. I know how much it meant to me to have someone in my corner when I felt helpless and hopeless, and for me to be able to bring someone before the Lord and ask for Him to intervene is the least of what I can to as a woman of faith. I remember once when I had seen a friend in the grocery store, I shared a burden on my heart and asked for prayer. She stopped right then, took my hands in hers and whispered a prayer to the Lord. It was quietly done, between just the two of us, and no one around was the wiser, but I was so touched that I promised myself I would try to do the same whenever someone asked me to pray for them.
The Bible tells us that the prayers of God’s children are powerful. James 5:16 states, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Remember, our prayers are going to the One who created everything! He is all powerful! Mark 11:24 records the words of Jesus, who said, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” God is not a genie who magically grants everything we bring to Him. He is, however, all knowing, which means He does answer in the way that is best for those prayed for and according to His perfect will.
It is also our responsibility to pray in faith. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” The Bible also states in James 1:6, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” We must believe God will respond, and we must trust Him in His response.
Prayer is a privilege, but it is also our Christian responsibility. We are called to pray for one another. Who can you pray for today?
I had gone till I just couldn’t go anymore
My faith had walked right out the door
I thought there was just no way I could ever be free
Someone looked at me with love and concern
And you started to let your prayer wheel turn
Glory Hallelujah, somebody touched God for me.
Somebody touched God for me when I was down, picked me up and turned me around,
Then went to the throne of God to intercede.
When I was sinking in despair, my brothers and sisters sent me up in prayer.
When I was weak, somebody touched God for me.
(from “Someone Touched God For Me” by Davis Geron La Ray)
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
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When your prayer of faith touches God’s heart, He promises to move mountains!