The word of God tells us that we should “pray for one another.” Look at James 5:16. This same verse tells us why – “because the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” That means we should be energetic and passionate in our prayers for others.
But who do we pray for? Our family. Our co-workers. Our church family. Each other. Let’s start there.
Don’t know what to pray? Try Colossians 1:9-14. Could you ever go wrong with that prayer for someone?
So, close your eyes – think of your church family – and pray for every single one of them. You may know a special need in a person’s life, or you just may pray Colossians 1:9-14. Ask God to show you any needs that He might use you to meet. Ask God to lay on your heart any actions you might need to take.
And remember, while you are praying, meditate on God’s Word. Let it fill your mind and soul. God will speak to you though His Word and through the Holy Spirit.
Now this March, we do have a special emphasis on prayer, and that is the Week of Prayer for North American Missions. It is March 5-12. Each day, we are asking you to pray for certain missionaries throughout North America. Ask that God direct their paths and reveal His Will to them. Ask that He go before them and prepare a way for them to be used to be salt and light.
Don’t think prayer works? Then you haven’t been at Maple Grove lately. Each Wednesday night, we have an old fashioned praise and prayer time. We thank Him for all He’s done and lift our requests to Him. But, the wonderful thing is to listen to reports of what He is doing in the lives of our families, in the lives of our church members, and in the lives of those we may just meet at the store. It’s particularly amazing to look back over the prayer lists we’ve made over the last 3-4 months and see what’s happened with those requests. You will see that God answers prayer.
I pray that each of you take time to pray. Jesus prayed every day – many times. The Bible tells us He prayed all night sometimes. If Jesus felt the need to talk to the Father that often, boy, we should too. So, close the webpage, pull up Colossians 1, and talk to God! Pray for each other!
Bro. Parks