Prayer: Day 12

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:17 NIV) 

Have you ever been with a friend or acquaintance and after hearing about their life situations you say, “I will pray for you”? Then you both go your separate ways. At what point do you pray for them? Is it immediately, later in the day, or do you forget to pray for the person you said you would lift up in prayer? 

I’m pretty sure we’ve all done one or most of these, but don’t you feel there has to be a better way? God began stretching me by having me pray for the person right there at that very moment. I don’t do it perfectly by any means, but I have much more peace obeying what God has called me to do, even if it’s out of my comfort zone.

Matthew 18:19-20 says, “I also tell you this. If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers. I am there among them.” Not only are your individual prayers important, but it is essential for us to pray as a community of believers.  So, the next time you are with a friend and you get ready to say, “I will pray for you,” instead say this: “Let’s pray together this very moment.” 
 
My dear friend, as you read this, I feel prompted to pray for you right now, at this moment.

“Father God, I pray for my sister in Christ, your beautiful masterpiece. I pray she will embrace and open her heart fully towards you. I ask in the precious name of Jesus that you heal any brokenness and restore her to your great work. Let her be courageous in praying for others and take steps of faith, listening to the Holy Spirit’s voice. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”

-Johanna

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