Praying Friends
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you… (Colossians 1:9)
Praying friends are very special! Like a boxer who has a team of encouragers in his corner, we must have a team of intercessors and ministers in our corner, as well. When the bell rings and you step to the center of the ring, having those friends who are for you and cheering you on, is invaluable. In fact, no one steps into the ring without a “backup.” That’s just what intercessors are…a backup team. Called by God, and inspired by the Spirit’s tug, they are engaged with you every step of the way.
When the apostle Paul wrote these words to the Colossians, he was serious about it. Since the day we heard about you… carries a sense of compassion and identification with it. He was saying, “I’m in this with you and I haven’t stopped praying for you.” Those are powerful words to read and hear from someone. It is so easy to feel defeated in the daily grind, but when you know someone is actually praying for you; it takes you to a different place mentally, emotionally and yes, spiritually. You are not alone.
Do you have people like that in your life? Can you list five people (not counting a parent) who pray for you daily? Of course, we all have people who say, “I’m praying for you,” as if to say, “I want you to know that I think about you once in a while.” If you tell someone you will pray for them and you do not follow through, it is clearly hypocritical. In fact, the next time you feel like saying that to someone, go ahead and ask them if you can pray for them right on the spot! When you engage with the burden someone is carrying, and they hear you praying for them, it greatly encourages them. “Oh Lord, please give me praying friends…and make me one, too!”
Praying friends are very special! Like a boxer who has a team of encouragers in his corner, we must have a team of intercessors and ministers in our corner, as well. When the bell rings and you step to the center of the ring, having those friends who are for you and cheering you on, is invaluable. In fact, no one steps into the ring without a “backup.” That’s just what intercessors are…a backup team. Called by God, and inspired by the Spirit’s tug, they are engaged with you every step of the way.
When the apostle Paul wrote these words to the Colossians, he was serious about it. Since the day we heard about you… carries a sense of compassion and identification with it. He was saying, “I’m in this with you and I haven’t stopped praying for you.” Those are powerful words to read and hear from someone. It is so easy to feel defeated in the daily grind, but when you know someone is actually praying for you; it takes you to a different place mentally, emotionally and yes, spiritually. You are not alone.
Do you have people like that in your life? Can you list five people (not counting a parent) who pray for you daily? Of course, we all have people who say, “I’m praying for you,” as if to say, “I want you to know that I think about you once in a while.” If you tell someone you will pray for them and you do not follow through, it is clearly hypocritical. In fact, the next time you feel like saying that to someone, go ahead and ask them if you can pray for them right on the spot! When you engage with the burden someone is carrying, and they hear you praying for them, it greatly encourages them. “Oh Lord, please give me praying friends…and make me one, too!”
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Building Men Over MembershipsActions and WordsPraying in God’s WillA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouAre You Encouraging Others?Strengthening BelieversSalvation Is SimpleCounterfeit TeachingBe Ready for the End Jesus Understands Your PainLooking ForwardCommitting Others To ChristSharing Your StoryTaking the Time To BlessPraying for UnbelieversA Word of BlessingJesus Cares about YouThe PavementAre You Confessed Up To Date?Fighting Self-Sufficiency With PrayerBe Responsible for Your ChildrenJesus Is Standing with You The Promise of the Holy SpiritBe Aligned in PrayerI Am InnocentAligned PrayersPraying with PowerDealing with ProblemsHandling Stress
February
Come and SeeA Childlike FaithDon’t Miss OutWhy Support Israel?Praying For IsraelHow To Honor GodResisting EvilThe Lord Encourages UsJesus Is the AuthorityGod ProvidesLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureA Heart of RepentanceSharing Your FaithSubmitting to God’s WillSecure in Your IdentityHow Are You Filled?God Is All-SufficientJesus Is The Only WayPray, Just PrayNo Sin Is Too BigThe Purpose in PainFeed Your FaithStay in Love with JesusIt’s Only JesusRemember Who God IsGifts from the Holy SpiritThis World Is Not Your HomeBe Different
March
Admitting You Are WrongMoney Can’t Buy HappinessMy ConfidenceChanged by Christ Faith and UnderstandingDo Angels Exist?Falling at Jesus’ FeetBorn AgainThe Fullness of JesusExperiencing Christ’s FullnessThe Lord’s ProtectionPraying FriendsA Hand of BlessingBe StillYour Heavenly FatherBlessing Your ChildrenGod Is Our ProviderTime To StopSimply Follow ChristFathers Loving MothersEvery Knee Will BowWhen God Repeats HimselfThe Seven ChurchesTaking Up Your CrossMake Peace With GodGod Gives Free WillGod’s Healing PowerGo All in for ChristAbiding and RestingBelieving God’s WordWhat Hangs In The Balance Of Evangelism?
2 Comments
When I came to Westside 30 years ago I acquired prayer warrior friends. Even though we have gone separate ways we still keep in contact with each other and pray for each other and our prayer concerns all the time. We have saved some lives because of it. And it has helped us get through some very difficult situations. We are so thankful for each other
Thank YOU Merry Christmas PRAISE JESUS !