Pray One For Another

 

Today’s one another is to pray for one another. Don McMinn in this bible study did not cover the theology of prayer, the efficacy of prayer or the how to pray. But as a person of prayer the theology of prayer is easy. God instructs us to pray. The above verse say the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Jesus not only instructed but he modeled prayer for His disciples. Just a few examples of Jesus modeling prayer, Jesus prayed in a storm, he prayed when Lazarus died, he prayed before feeding the 5000, and he prayed at the Garden of Gethsemene.

Max Lucado in his book “Before Amen” teaches pocket prayers. The prayer above is short and to the point. Many times in my life I have said 911 prayers. Other times I have written my prayer in a prayer journal using the acrostic PART; Praise, Admission, Request and Thanksgiving.

The apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers.”  Don McMinn shares there are prayers of confession, gratitude, and worship. How can we forget the personal prayer of Jabez?  1 Chronicles 4:10 says, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory.”

Don McMinn introduces the reader to intercessory prayer that is making an appeal or petition for someone else. Not only does Jesus intercede for us but the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” 

Beloved, praying is talking to God just like you talk to your best friend. I talk to my best friend about everything, how about you? Becky Tirabassi  wrote Let Prayer Change Your Life says, “Make an appointment with God one day in advance then keep the appointment.” She was instrumental in changing my prayer life. She has a wonderful system in a prayer journal called My Prayer Partner .  I recently read a book called Organize Your Prayer Closet that is a way to organize your thoughts before you pray.

Don McMinn shares prerequisites for praying for another. He shares in your relationships, develop a deep level of care, vulnerability, and trust so that people will feel safe in sharing personal request with you. If someone shares a personal prayer request not only should you pray but keep that person’s confidence. Prayer for one another will become natural and effective when  our relationships are a safe place.

Practical ways to pray for one another keep a prayer journal, date your requests, and then date when the prayer is answered. Do not be afraid to pray for people on the spot. At work, I ask a simple question, “do you have faith”? and then if the answer is yes, I ask the next question, “may I pray for you?” Another way is to encourage people to share their need and prayer requests. Let people know you are praying for them. Pray specifically for areas of concern. As I shared, choose a time and place. I use my lunch hour at work to pray, read and write. I plug it in my schedule remember one day in advance make your appointment with the King. Pray often, continually, and be kind to yourself because praying for others may tax your mental, emotional and physical resources.

Don McMinn shares a few cautions for praying for one another. Be sure and talk to God not just to the person who has the concern. Talk to God like I am writing to you, avoid trite phrases.

[Tweet “The best gift we can give someone is to pray and to be a prayer warrior.”]

Father God, Max Lucado claimed to be a wimp at prayer and with your help he turned his prayer life around. We want to be women of prayer. Lord as I pray for the person reading this blog will you become real to her. In your word, it says to draw near to you and you will draw near to us. Lord you say if I seek you with all my heart I will find you. Lord we need to pray for one another.

Beloved, love, prefer, accept, greet, encourage, comfort, carry burdens, forgive and pray for one another.

What does the end of the verse James 5:16 promise?