Whenever there is a tragedy, we often hear officials say, “Our prayers and thoughts are with you.” This phrase is so commonplace that this expression seems to be trite and quite meaningless, although prayer can be so powerful. It is almost expected when there is a killing, a natural disaster or a major accident that a number of people from government leaders to church leaders to make this statement and I often wonder if they really do pray. Maybe some people are sincere in what they say, and they do actually speak to God about the people involved in whatever incident it may be. However, I really doubt that all are praying, which is quite unfortunate. Now, before we get upset with these leaders for not keeping their word, we each need to examine ourselves. How often do we tell folks that we will pray for them, but don’t?
Do not be quick with your mouth or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2
We should never be impulsive in telling others that we will bring their case before the Lord, and then we don’t do it. Not only are we not keeping our word to the person, but the Lord hears all we say, and then we don’t go to Him in prayer as we said we would. God hates a lying tongue. We may not have made a promise to pray and then broke it intentionally, but the Lord expects us to keep our word, especially if we say we are followers of Christ. If we promise that we are going to pray for someone, then we should do it. Prayer is important and it should not be taken lightly. Jesus was never frivolous about prayer. He prayed for His believers in John 17 and He intercedes for us.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1
I always love to think of Jesus being my Advocate with the Father and interceding on my behalf. This is a beautiful picture of Jesus’ love for us. His finished work on the cross that freed us from the trap of sin and gave us eternal life could have been more than enough, but He never stopped there. Still, Jesus is interceding for us, pleading our case before the Father. Yet many of us do not love enough to pray enough.
And He will yet deliver us, if you also join in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons in our behalf for the favor granted to us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:10b-11
This was written by Apostle Paul to the Corinthians, and he seems to be assured that God would deliver him and his fellow workers as a favor granted by God through the prayers of all those who prayed. I think sometimes, we fail to realize that our prayers can be quite potent and God longs for us to communicate with Him not just for us to petition Him, but also to praise Him and give Him thanks on behalf of others.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. Psalm 100:4
Let us always give thanks in all things, even when the answers to our prayers are “no” or “not yet”. A negative answer or a delayed yes should never stop us from praying because God knows best, and we must trust Him and His timing. Let us continue praying for each other and encouraging each other. And when people ask us to pray for them even if the request seems a bit odd bring it to the Lord in prayer and share what is on your heart about the petition with Him. Apostle Paul unashamedly asked others to pray for him and for the other believers as well.
With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints, and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:18-20
Let us do as Apostle Paul stated and be on alert with perseverance bringing every request of our fellow believers to the Father’s throne. We may not have much to give, but our prayer can be a precious gift. Now, I will end with a prayer from Jesus Himself for us.
“I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:20-21
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