Praying! (part 4 of 7)

Again, bearing in mind that "Seven days without prayer makes one weak", we have already considered the need for steadfastness, watchfulness, and thankfulness all being associated with daily prayer. Let us continue with a further consideration of Paul's words to the church at Colossae.

Paul urged. . .
"(2) Continue steadfastly IN PRAYER, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (3) At the same time, PRAY ALSO FOR US, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -- (4) that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." ( Colossians 4:2-4 ESV)

Praying FOR OTHERS. Could it be a sign of selfishness when we forget to thank God (as we noted yesterday) and forget to UPLIFT OTHERS in prayer? We are all in need of prayer. Though our prayers should be personal, that does not mean we ought to only focus on ourselves.

As we noted a couple days ago, when we tell others we will pray for them, let us be sure to do it! Making a list that we can either carry with us or have placed where it will be seen several times during the day will not only remind us to spend some time in prayer, but also remind us of other's needs and situations. Such a reminder may lead us to finding ways other than prayer (though do not minimize prayer itself) to do what we can to encourage and help them. Perhaps God's Will is for us to be a part of His answer to the prayer. We might be prompted to drop them a card in the mail letting them know we have continued to remember them in prayer. We might be moved to either call them or drop by for a visit to let them know and find out how things are presently going. We might even be compelled to do some very specific act or work on their behalf that would ease the burden they are bearing.

As Paul -- though an Apostle of Jesus Christ -- did not hesitate to ask others for their prayers on his behalf, may we also be humble enough to ask of others as well. There is powerful encouragement in knowing others are holding us up in prayer and that we are not alone in our walk with God. Prayer also tends to draw closer together those who are sharing in it. May our personal daily prayers continue to focus beyond merely the sphere of our own life while we are in turn encouraged by the prayers of others.

Have a great day ENCOURAGED BY PRAYER'S CONNECTION WITH OTHERS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Prayer