Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- January 23, 2012
“Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.” Hebrews 13:18-19
The need for prayer is not just a private matter, but also one that requires public awareness. Prayer is personal and it invites the engagement of other Christ followers. Personal needs aren’t meant for concealment like a castaway on a deserted island. Instead, during uncertain circumstances, communities of believers rally together in intercession on behalf of their brothers and sisters. Prayer is a platform to say: “I care”.
We are not to wait on others to ask for how they can pray for us (though this is a good habit for caring Christians); rather we are to request prayer. Yes, it sounds selfish, but it’s not. It is the opportunity to allow another to be blessed, as they approach heaven on behalf of your healing. Our pride is put in its proper place when we humble ourselves to ask for prayer.
“Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelek, his wife and his female slaves so they could have children again.” Genesis 20:17
Prayer is not about you or me—it is about the faithfulness, the power and the glory of God. It is short-sided and selfish not to let others know of our hurts, failures and fears. To confess the need for prayer is to say, “I can’t, but Christ can.” It means you and I submit to the spiritual support of friends and family who know and love Jesus. Your heavenly Father smiles when He sees His children come around one another with sincere petitions.
Like wagons in the old west that circled together in the face of danger, so the Body of Christ gathers around one another when confronted with the enemy of persecution, the dread of disease, the embarrassment of moral failure and the fear of a financial meltdown. What need in your life needs to be known, so that other Christ followers can come around you with powerful solicitations to Jesus? God knows, but His children also need to know.
“Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will certainly pray to the LORD your God as you have requested; I will tell you everything the LORD says and will keep nothing back from you.” Jeremiah 42:3-4
Lord, who do I need to ask for prayer on my behalf and to whom can I offer prayer support?
Related Readings: Job 42:9-10; Psalm 122:6; Acts 20:36; Romans 15:30
Post/Tweet this today: Prayer is a platform to say: “I care”. #prayer #wisdom
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I really like this one so early in the morning.
Thank you for this reading today. Please pray for my loved one who is battling himself in an addiction. I know that God has all power and I deeply appreciate your prayers today.
This one hit me right between the eyes. I need to be drawn to being more dependent on God and fellow believers.
I have enjoyed the Solicit Prayer posting; the new perspective of requesting prayer is a blessing. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
I love this! “To confess the need for prayer is to say, ‘I can’t, but Christ can.’”