My Pastor works very hard every week so praying for the sick and the need of others in the church does not become meaningless. Trying to be sure that we always remember how blessed we are to be able to pray to a God that hears us. And by bringing us examples from scripture that enforce the call to prayer for all our needs and the needs of others.
But it was something that he recently said outside of the pulpit that really struck me. In fact, the statement was made on twitter of all places. Another pastor was requesting prayer for his son and associate pastor who was about to have major surgery. Instead of simply liking the tweet or replying “praying!” As we so often do. My pastor said, “Will join with you in prayer as if it was my own son.”
That is a powerful statement and one that really touched me at that moment. Because that was the very same mindset I began to cultivate that previous Sunday. While we were praying for the needs of the church. And the sick were being anointed with oil and prayed for, as prescribed in Scripture.
James 5:14 (ESV)
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Christians are always quick to say they will pray for others and most follow through. But the way in which we follow-through is often lacking. Prayer for others rarely sees the same devotion and level of emotion that prayer for ourselves or our family does. Which really should not be the case.
Consider what kind of prayer you want when your own needs are brought before the church. Are you hoping that others will pray lackluster prayers on your account? Of course not! Instead, you want people to really cry out to God on your behalf. To show the same hope, reverence, and devotion that you are showing at that moment.
That is the case forever person who brings a need before their church family. They are seeking real prayer from God’s people. But if we want to see others pray for our needs in that real way. Then we must be willing to put our own needs to the side at times and offer that same kind of prayer for those around us.
Matthew 7:12 (ESV)
12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
The church needs to take times of prayer seriously and not only be concerned with their needs. No longer praying five-second prayers making simple statements such as “touch them Lord”, “heal them God”, or “please move in their life” and simply leave it at that. It’s time to realize the power God has granted His people through prayer. And start praying as you mean it. As if it was your sickness, your hurt child, your need for a job to provide, or any other life-impacting need.
No matter what your situation may be better or worse pray for the needs of others as if their need was your very own. Follow the teaching of the Apostle Paul and don’t just focus on yourself. But look to others as well.
Philippians 2:4 (ESV)
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Please take this article to heart and apply it in your own life. It is easy to see the importance of prayer and the call for Christians to not only pray for their needs but the needs of others as well. The Bible says that out plain and simple.
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
James 5:13 (ESV)
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
1 Timothy 2:1 (ESV)
2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
But we cannot simply see the need to pray or others we must start taking it seriously. Because if we really care for others and want to see them touched by God. We will no longer offer two-cent prayers that only amount to a few idle words. If we truly care we will pray for the needs of others like it was our very own need!
I hope you will join me and change the way you pray for others. Expose others to this need by sharing this article on your social media. Simply click one of the icons on this page to do so. Just imagine the impact that could be had if every Christian prayed for the needs of others like they pray for themselves. Thanks for your support and God Bless!
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