“Better to be honest about your pain and seek prayer than to conceal hurt and suffer alone.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 26, 2025
Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:30, NLT
Paul urgently appeals to his brothers and sisters in Christ, saying, “Join my struggle.” Wisely and boldly, he invites his fellow believers to pray to God alongside him. The apostle further explains that their motivation for joining him in prayer comes from their love for their brother, empowered by the Holy Spirit. So beautiful and powerful! The love given by the Holy Spirit inspires involvement in the struggles of others through prayer on their behalf. Joining in the struggles of others by praying to the Lord of all comfort and wisdom is always fitting. What struggles do we or others face that invite loving prayers? What prayers are appropriate to pray?
Struggles are a central part of life. However, not all struggles are the same. A minor struggle may feel more like an inconvenience, such as running late to work due to traffic. Or forgetting your wallet, purse, or phone and needing to return home to retrieve. Low-level struggles are manageable, temporary, and are often resolved with minor adjustments. Medium-level struggles may involve being stuck in a low-paying job and struggling to pay your bills. Frequent arguments can plague a relationship at home, work, or church. Alternatively, you might feel exhausted from managing a chronic health condition. Medium-level struggles require patience, resilience, and problem-solving, often needing outside support. High-level struggles are life-altering, such as losing a loved one, terminal illness, and a significant life disruption like divorce or job loss. High-level struggles test faith, strength, and perseverance—but can also lead to personal growth and transformation. How do we face our struggles and help others in theirs?
It can be challenging to ask your faith family to pray for you during tough times. Instead of viewing your humble request as a weakness or burden, see it as the Lord’s way of working in your life and the lives of fellow believers. By being vulnerable, you inspire others to do the same. It’s healthier to be honest about your pain and seek prayer than to hide your hurt and suffer in silence. The Body of Christ grows stronger as we pray genuinely out of the Holy Spirit’s love.
How can we join in another’s struggle through prayer? A good go-to prayer could be, “Lord, I lift up my friend who faces struggles today. Give her strength in weakness, peace in chaos, and hope in uncertainty. Remind her that she is never alone—You walk beside her. Provide wisdom, comfort, and the courage to persevere. Let Your love sustain your beloved and Your grace carry her through. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Your prayer in love gives peace and perseverance.
Charles Spurgeon gives a powerful reminder to the power of praying for the members of Christ’s body: “Believer, thou hast a mighty engine in thy hand, use it well, use it constantly, use it with faith, and thou shalt surely be a benefactor to thy brethren. When thou hast the King’s ear, speak to him for the suffering members of his body.” You have the ear of the King for your struggling friends and family. Wrap your prayers in the Spirit’s love and trust that the strugglers overcome.
Prayer
Lord, help me stand in prayer for those who are struggling. Give me compassion, faith, and wisdom to intercede on their behalf. Let Your strength and comfort surround them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
What one struggle will move you to ask for prayer, and who can you pray for who is struggling?
Related Reading
Job 42:10; Galatians 6:2; Colossians 1:9; James 5:16
Worship Resource
Leanna Crawford, Ben Fuller, David Leonard: Still Waters
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