As you look at the contents of most church bulletins, you’ll find a list of people who need prayer. Most of the time these folks are sick, battling a serious disease, they are shut-in and unable to leave home or in nursing facilities. Some may need prayers of encouragement as they go through a difficult time. The prayer list can be quite long, with some names staying on the list for many months. Sadly, we may become accustomed to the list after seeing the names reappear each week and don’t give it much thought. Even worse, we may not look at it at all.
New Testament Christians are instructed by the scriptures to pray and pray often. Jesus said we are to pray to our Father in heaven (Matthew 6:9) and thank Him for the blessings of life (Colossians 4:2). We are to come boldly before God with our request (Hebrews 4:16), yet with an attitude of humility (James 4:10). Christians are to pray for each other and also pray for the sick and unfortunate. “The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:15-16)
What a great privilege is to be able to go to God firsthand and pray on another’s behalf. So who did you pray for today? Remember, our prayer life is to be constant and consistent, so let us all “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thess. 5:17)
-Jay Launius
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