Recently my sister contacted me and asked me to join her and another sister in praying for a dear friend with ongoing heath issues. I was privileged to be asked. However, when is always the first question from me. It is easy to say yes, but finding the time is always the challenge. I’m an hour away so the time commitment quickly becomes significant.
In my head, I knew I would get as much out of the experience as the person we were praying for, so it was a matter of finding time. We started tossing dates around and finally landed on a Saturday that would work. I knew my heart would catch up with my head.
On that Saturday, we were greeted with enthusiasm. As we began to get to know each other, it was quickly clear that this experience was for me, personally as much as it was for her. Hearing this persons story of resilience, victories over cancer, steadfast faith and commitment to living with joy, overwhelmed my heart. It was more of a gift than I ever expected to receive.
There is power in prayer. Power that can heal and move mountains. The privilege of prayer comes in a closeness to God and the changed relationships. I will forever be inspired by this person’s story and how God met us there that day. Prayer is not an obligation. It is an encounter with the Holy. I needed that reminder. I often get lost in my prayer list and all those I want to be in prayer for, and sometimes it does begin to feel like an obligation.
Prayer is how we communicate and build our relationship with God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and healing begins. Prayer is admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence on Christ. These are just a few scriptures that remind us of our need to pray.
I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 17:6 NIV).
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22 NIV).
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven James (5:15 NIV).
I am privileged to be able to pray for others. I needed to be reminded of the beauty and intimacy created by that privilege. It has certainly added more enthusiasm to my personal prayer time.
How about you? How is your prayer life? Do you embrace the privilege and power of prayer? Share your victories in prayer, and we can encourage each other.