“I’m praying for you,” is often said in a variety of situations. It brings comfort and support. It is a reminder of the power of community, and our call to make it a common practice.

The interview was Monday at 9:30 am. Sunday the texts of encouragement began saying things like praying for you and set my alarm to pray. Monday morning they continued. The words, the texts brought confidence, a sense of peace and a reminder of the many people in my corner.

It is easy to walk life alone. It is easy to hold our struggles inside. Sharing what is really going on is scary. Trusting others with our pain can carry shame and makes us vulnerable. Yet, we are called to do just that- share our pain and pray for those in need.

^13-15 Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out. ^16-18 Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. (James 5:13-18 MSG).

It has been challenging to share my employment journey. After eight and half months, I have started to question my value as an employee, question my knowledge and experience. Why is it taking so long? The more open I have been, the more support I have found. I have been encouraged at my lowest. I have been lifted up when I wanted to give up all due to a community of believers who are walking this with me. “I’m praying for you,” has meaning and depth that penetrates the soul. At my lowest, it has been a lifeline. Let us continue to lift up and pray for one another.

How has a community of prayers lifted you up? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.