I just heard that 47% of people sitting together on a plane spark up a conversation. I know that seems to be the case on a long flight. 12% of these people develop a lasting relationship. I guess that is easier now with email and Facebook. When I was flying back from vacation I sat beside of a nice couple from Seattle. I quickly picked up that they were Christians. We shared some similar experiences and shared some prayer concerns. I have been praying for this family and I believe they have prayed for me. They are probably reading this blog.
While on vacation we met a lady at the jewelry store who immediately figured Mike out and began picking on him. We were in there a long time and because I could not hook a small chain, due to neuropathy, my new friend asked me about it. I shared that I had been through chemo. This opened a new chapter for us because her husband is going through treatment now. She wanted to share with her husband about my positive outlook. I told her about my blog and told her I would be praying for them. I have been. I have heard from both of these new friends. While I may never see them again, isn't it special that we can pray for each other? Some times, for different reasons, we cannot share our prayer requests with family or close friends.
Jesus is the perfect example of praying for others. John 17: 1:26 is known as The Great Intercessory Prayer of Jesus. Jesus prayed for others the night before His Crucifixion. One of the most beautiful things we can do for someone else is pay for them. As we pray and serve others, our knowledge of God and our love for Him will grow. James 5: 16, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." A righteous person means those who have faith and are covered by Jesus' righteousness. Remember, we do not have to be a great speaker or a Bible expert to pray. I pray very simple - like I write. Through the years I think I pray more simple to God. It is a comfortable conversation and I chat with Him throughout the day. He is my Father so I go to Him about anything. He already knows it all anyway! I like to praise Him, thank Him, ask for guidance, beg of Him at times, and I have yelled out to Him, sometimes just the word, "help!" And because it is a "conversation" I have to be quiet and listen - it is a two way conversation.
Through prayer we get to know our Savior better and it also brings believers together. If you have ever prayed for someone, even if you do not see or talk with them, you feel as if you know them. You know more about their needs. By going to God on someone's behalf we are increasing our trust in God. 1 John 5: 14, " This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." We are to pray for health and blessings on others. 3 John 1: 2, "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."
When Jesus prayed for others, He prayed for their faith. Luke 22: 32, "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” He prayed against temptation for them. Luke 22: 40, "On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He also prayed for their sanctification. John 17: 17, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." These are all spiritual blessings and they are all prayed "in Jesus' name" and according to God's will.
The New Testaments commands us to pray for all people. 1 Timothy 2: 1, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—" We are to pray for our government leaders. 1 Timothy 2: 2, "for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." We are to pray for those teaching the gospel. Ephesians 6: 19-20, "Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." We are also to pray for those being persecuted whether people or the church. Hebrews 13: 3, "Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
Who can you be praying God's blessings on?
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