Phillipians 1:4
Always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all.
Paul and Timothy let others know that they were praying for them. How often do we let others know that we are praying for them, and do we really pray for them? Do we do like Paul, are we praying with joy about these people or are we doing it because we feel like we have to? Coming before God should be a time when we get excited. Prayer should not be a time of just a "ritual" in which we pray "O God, I pray you would be with Jill, Sue, Sharon and Tina..." Take these people to the throne of God! Lift them up, tell God what they mean to you and ask God to bless them, wrap His loving arms around them so that they can feel His presence today. Pray that if there is a need in their lives, that God would meet it and that He can be glorified in their lives.
We should not wait for a need to be in someone's life for us to pray for them. Make a list of your family, friends and those who you see and don't have a relationship with; maybe school teachers, co-workers, a regular face in a store. Take a few each day and lift them up in prayer. Get excited about meeting up with God and spending time with Him on behalf of others. You will walk away with Joy!
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the school year, I make out a weekly schedule and invite the parents of my students to let them pray for classmates and teachers. What a blessing to see these little 5 year olds come in and tell each other "I prayed for you last night" or "My Mommy and I prayed that you would feel better soon."
I agree that we should not wait for a need to go to the Lord in prayer. Thank you for this wonderful post.
Blessings!