This is probably one of the most used phrases in almost every conversation a person has who is a part of a church group or organization.
congregant: Oh, that was a wonderful sermon.
preacher: Oh, bless you, pray for me.
woman1: Girl, where you been it's been a while since I've seen you?
woman2: Oh, I know; pray for me girl.
Now, don't get me wrong; I think prayer is very essential to the life of every believer who calls themselves Christian. However, I have found it to be somewhat hypocritical and deceptive to a degree when that phrase is spoken by some. If we would stop and be honest for a moment, I'd like to pose a very important question: How many times have you really prayed for the person you ran into at the grocery store earlier that day? Also, when we say to some people, "pray for me" are we really wanting them to pray for us or are we just trying to avoid a lengthy conversation with them?
Of course, we all know the scriptures teach us to always pray and also to pray for one another; so why do we find praying on the spot such an awkward experience? Could the reason be the fact we don't pray as much as we lead people to believe we do? I have a challenge for all of us to take part in starting from today.
Saints, when someone asks you to pray for them let's stop and take a moment with them right then and there. I'm not asking us to go into a long descriptive dissertation on the omnipotence of God, but just a quick concise prayer concerning the issues or situation in which the person may find themselves being a part of at the moment.
I promise if we make an effort to accomplish this we will not only become closer to one another in the Body of Christ, but we will also draw others and ourselves closer to the one in whom gives us life eternal, Jesus.
Read
Friday, March 13, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
Fabulous advice. I feel guilty if I forget "who asked me to pray for them?" And I'm finding that praying THEN, even if I say "Okay" and walk away and take a second alone in my head to pray, that's better than waiting...........
Thanks, IHS...VERY good post. Good challenge.
Good point and much needed. My husband and I try to carry a small notepad and pen with us so when we meet someone who asks for prayer we can write it down and make sure it goes on our prayer list.
It is important to keep in mind that when someone really does request you to pray for them, it means they really believe you will do it. That is an awesome responsibility.
Thank you for this message.
Blessings,
Leslie
'It is important to keep in mind that when someone really does request you to pray for them, it means they really believe you will do it. That is an awesome responsibility.'
___________________________________
Leslie, you couldn't be more right on this point, and the idea of a notepad is a great one; I think it should be a part of every true believers witnessing kit.
Z, I've been there more than I care to admit, and this is why I have tried to pray for the individual then and if they don't stand there I'll do what you said and whisper a word of prayer as they walk away.
Thank you both for your great comments.
Blessings.
I thank Leslie for that great reminder....I've done that, too, but not enough; you always tend to think "I'll remember", right? NOT.
When I get the prayer chain list for my bible study ladies, via email, and check it over before the chairman sends it out, I pray THEN. Right there and then.
I'm glad Leslie found your site, too, IHS...
this is such a refreshing, inspiring blog! xxx
I enjoy your posts. I found you on the Shameless Sunday post. Keep up the positive work.
Curtis, glad to have you. Stop by anytime.
Blessings.
I hate to admit it, but I am guilty as charged. Need to take your advice.
Great point! My wife tells of a time she was in Israel and was approached by a palestinian christian that commented about the necklace she was wearing. She promptly took it off and gave it to him. He was overcome with gratitude and thanked her over and over. He then said that he would pray for her. She simply said, "Thank you," and walked out of his little shop.
As she was leaving, the man's brother came around the corner and also thanked her. He also wanted my wife to understand that when his brother said he would pray for her, he would literally pray for her every day for the rest of his life. They simply don't take that lightly. Your post made me remember that story.
Post a Comment