Blessings for Others – As I was reading a devotional recently, it began with this verse, “Praying always, in the Spirit, with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:18. Written by Andrew Murray, he explains by reminding us that God wants us to pray for others which is an extraordinary responsibility that we are privileged to have. “He has taken us into partnership in His work.” Supplication means to ask God or pray for some need or concern. So how is your prayer life? How much time do you take to pray for others’ needs, ministries, families, direction as well as safety and health? What a great opportunity we have in the lives of those we are closest to, and for some we do not even personally know. You can receive daily, weekly or monthly reminders, emails, and newsletters from many sources that will allow expansion of your prayer life. For me, as I read the struggles that a Christian has in China or of a new believer in India, or how 10% of the world does not have clean water or 1680 groups do not have a Bible in their own language, I realize that my focus on my own concerns sometimes does not compare.
Prayer is not magical yet it is unexplainable, except by believing in God Almighty and the power we have through Him to intercede, or be an advocate, for others. At times I have said to others, I wish I could do more for you, during their struggle or grieving time. Many will respond by acknowledging the importance of those prayers and express their heartfelt thanks for remembering them. God can even transcend time if you are “late” in praying for something. Maybe the surgery already took place or event happened, and you did not pray until afterward; it is still fine to pray and God will still hear this prayer. We can take comfort in this and in the multiplication of our prayers as it comes into the presence of God. Sometimes we feel as though our prayers are hitting the ceiling and are pointless, but as we persevere we see the impact that can still occur. The main thing is to keep praying! Yes, pray for yourself, but increase time spent praying for your family, friends, coworkers, schoolmates, team associates, church staff, missionaries, non-profit ministries and more. Not only will you be asking God to bless them, you will be blessed by being a part of their lives and ministry going forward.
Blessings,
Jeri
Prayer is not magical yet it is unexplainable, except by believing in God Almighty and the power we have through Him to intercede, or be an advocate, for others. At times I have said to others, I wish I could do more for you, during their struggle or grieving time. Many will respond by acknowledging the importance of those prayers and express their heartfelt thanks for remembering them. God can even transcend time if you are “late” in praying for something. Maybe the surgery already took place or event happened, and you did not pray until afterward; it is still fine to pray and God will still hear this prayer. We can take comfort in this and in the multiplication of our prayers as it comes into the presence of God. Sometimes we feel as though our prayers are hitting the ceiling and are pointless, but as we persevere we see the impact that can still occur. The main thing is to keep praying! Yes, pray for yourself, but increase time spent praying for your family, friends, coworkers, schoolmates, team associates, church staff, missionaries, non-profit ministries and more. Not only will you be asking God to bless them, you will be blessed by being a part of their lives and ministry going forward.
Blessings,
Jeri
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