Brethren - I intend no disrespect to anyone by starting this thread. I wish to share a view of prayer that has had a marked impact on my life. My hope is that it will do the same for you.
How often do we tell a brother or sister that we will pray for them? It's easy for us to say, isn't it? A brother or sister is struggling with a health issue, "I'll pray for you." A love one has died or is seriously ill, "I'll pray for you." A lost job? "I'll pray for you." We can intercede on behalf of a brother or sister for almost anything. It is good to say we will pray, but it is even better to actually do it!
Most of us mean well. We intend to pray but our hectic schedule often gets in the way. The next thing we know we forget all about the promise we made to pray, that is until the brother or sister provides an update on their situation. I've felt like crawling under a rock when I hear a brother say, "Bill, thanks for praying. I really needed it." Man, this brother is thanking me because I promised to pray, but I actually forgot.
Now, this thread is not intended to make people feel bad. But I would like to share a simple solution to this problem. Be instant in prayer. When a brother or sister shares a situation that requires prayer, pray right on the spot. Don't just say you're going to pray, say to the brother or sister, "Friend, can we take a moment and pray right now?" Then do it. This accomplishes two things. 1. It brings the situation before our Mediator, Jesus Christ, immediately. This gives God glory. 2. It lets the brother or sister know that you care and can be trusted to keep your word. It often times builds a bond (or strengthens one) with your brother.
Our prayer forum is one of my favorites. Prayer transcends doctrinal differences. Who cares whether your a credo or paedo when your heart is aching and you need prayer? Often times we use the prayer icon:
to let people know that we either are praying or intend to pray. That's wonderful. But do we actually pray right on the spot or do we intend to pray? Again, I am not casting stones at anyone. I use the prayer icon all the time. But when I read, "Brother, I just prayed" or, "Prayed" it lets me know that prayer isn't just intended, it has been accomplished. That is encouraging to a hurting heart.
How about in your local fellowship? Have you ever told someone you would pray for them? Consider stopping dead in your tracks, putting your arm on their shoulder and interceding on their behalf right there and then. Give glory to God immediately.
Brethren, let me say this one more time. I did not start this thread to shame anyone. I started this thread to encourage each one of you to be instant in prayer. Take advantage of the opportunity God gives you to bless your brother or sister. Tell me if this will not have a tremendous impact for good on the one prayed for and your own walk with Christ.
How often do we tell a brother or sister that we will pray for them? It's easy for us to say, isn't it? A brother or sister is struggling with a health issue, "I'll pray for you." A love one has died or is seriously ill, "I'll pray for you." A lost job? "I'll pray for you." We can intercede on behalf of a brother or sister for almost anything. It is good to say we will pray, but it is even better to actually do it!
Most of us mean well. We intend to pray but our hectic schedule often gets in the way. The next thing we know we forget all about the promise we made to pray, that is until the brother or sister provides an update on their situation. I've felt like crawling under a rock when I hear a brother say, "Bill, thanks for praying. I really needed it." Man, this brother is thanking me because I promised to pray, but I actually forgot.
Now, this thread is not intended to make people feel bad. But I would like to share a simple solution to this problem. Be instant in prayer. When a brother or sister shares a situation that requires prayer, pray right on the spot. Don't just say you're going to pray, say to the brother or sister, "Friend, can we take a moment and pray right now?" Then do it. This accomplishes two things. 1. It brings the situation before our Mediator, Jesus Christ, immediately. This gives God glory. 2. It lets the brother or sister know that you care and can be trusted to keep your word. It often times builds a bond (or strengthens one) with your brother.
Our prayer forum is one of my favorites. Prayer transcends doctrinal differences. Who cares whether your a credo or paedo when your heart is aching and you need prayer? Often times we use the prayer icon:
to let people know that we either are praying or intend to pray. That's wonderful. But do we actually pray right on the spot or do we intend to pray? Again, I am not casting stones at anyone. I use the prayer icon all the time. But when I read, "Brother, I just prayed" or, "Prayed" it lets me know that prayer isn't just intended, it has been accomplished. That is encouraging to a hurting heart.How about in your local fellowship? Have you ever told someone you would pray for them? Consider stopping dead in your tracks, putting your arm on their shoulder and interceding on their behalf right there and then. Give glory to God immediately.
Brethren, let me say this one more time. I did not start this thread to shame anyone. I started this thread to encourage each one of you to be instant in prayer. Take advantage of the opportunity God gives you to bless your brother or sister. Tell me if this will not have a tremendous impact for good on the one prayed for and your own walk with Christ.
I have to do it right away also. Sometimes you will see me sort of spam the prayer forum, that is because I am about to pray and I do it all at once or I will forget.
Very good points. Thanks.
