10/24/2021
We all need to pray for others, and to receive the prayers of others ourselves. It is good to pray personally for our own needs and desires, and to use our times of prayer to strengthen and renew our individual relationships with God each day, but prayer is not a treasure to horde, nor to be kept to ourselves. Prayer is a tool of faith to be applied lavishly at all times, in every situation, and for everyone. As we use it fully to communicate with God, we should use it to lift up every aspect of our faith, and the Lord’s interaction with us, and those around us. Are we selfish with our spiritual relationship, and prayer?
“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”
Ephesians 6:18-19 ESV
When I was a boy I liked to play in the forest that surrounded my home. I would go deep into the woods, and build forts there by digging holes, and covering them with tree limbs, moss, and leaves. These were secret places that couldn’t be seen unless you knew precisely where they were. Then, when the fort was complete, I would bring food and water there, so that I could spend the entire day pretending that I alone was defending the world against its enemies. I made pretend guns out of sticks, bows and arrows from the straight limbs, and if I found a sturdy one that was long I sharpened its end and imagined it to be a spear. This would go on for days as I played alone, but once the new wore off and I grew weary of my solitary game, I would swear a friend to secrecy and bring him there. Then together the two of us would defend the world, and make improvements to our secret fort.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4 ESV
Sadly, there are too many believers who treat their prayers like I once treated my forts. They go into these secret places, and times with God, to pray alone. They use their prayers for their own purposes, and gratification, but only rarely share them openly with another. In truth, our prayers are not meant to be kept to ourselves, and for our own advancement, and purposes, but prayed boldly, and shared with others. We are meant to weave them together with the prayers that others lift up as they pray likewise for us, and in this way, together, we make an inviting shelter for ourselves, our families, and all who are in need, or are lost. Prayer is a powerful tool of faith to be shared, and used to glorify God as we do. It is not ours alone to be kept as a secret strength.
“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:5-7 ESV
Our prayers, like our faith, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, are meant to be shared, and not simply with a select few, but with everyone who will hear. Our times of prayer become the essence of our relationship with God as we speak with Him. We should never keep such joy, wonder, and a source of help, from others, and by giving the knowledge and substance of this to them, we should expect to receive their prayers as well.
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV
Are we praying for others boldly , and teaching them to pray for us, or are we selfishly hoarding our prayers in secretly constructed places as if they were a treasure that could be stolen from us?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who has taught us to pray, and for those like the Apostle Paul who ask for our prayers and who pray openly for us in return. Help us Lord to share the power of prayer with others just as we share the gospel, and to hold nothing back for ourselves alone. Lead us in prayer by your Holy Spirit, and open our hearts as we pray for all those who are suffering, need your strength, your provision, or who haven’t had your Word, and the gospel of Christ, opened to them yet. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who meets us in prayer, and blesses us as we talk. Praised be your name for every prayer, and the unceasing nature of our prayers as we call out to you. Merciful are you for hearing us when we come to you in need, and good are you in every response. Amazing is your Spirit that prays for us when we can’t find the words, and faithful is your Son Jesus who intercedes for us day and night. Thank you Father for the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus as he redeemed us, in prayer, and by His obedience to your will. Hear our prayers now, and on the day of our judgement as we pray for not only ourselves, and our loved ones, but for every soul… that we might all find shelter in your grace, the prayers of one another, and the intercession of Christ Jesus.
Rich Forbes