Just before He was arrested, Jesus prayed for His disciples. Then He prayed for us – yes, you and me. He said:
“I pray not only for them, (the disciples), but also for those who
believe in me because of their message. I pray that they may all be one.
Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May
they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.” John 17:
20-21.
Does anyone think that they pray too much? That perhaps they are giving God a headache? That with over 7 billion peoples on earth yours seem to be the most prayers in His in-tray to deal with? That He is spending 99% of His time listening to you rather than the other people on earth? That perhaps you should let up a bit and pray less?
God never gets tired of hearing our prayers. Whether they are one's we have learnt like the Lord's Prayer, or just conversations and lists of demands or requests, God is always listening. He likes to hear from us; just like any good parent likes to hear from their children and how they are doing in life. He knows how we're doing, of course; but He likes to hear from us as well.
He also likes to hear us praying for others. Prayers are the greatest gifts we can give each other. It shows generosity of spirit, it shows caring, and it shows love on our part for someone else.
When someone is talking with you about their health, works problems, marital difficulties or whatever else; just say a silent prayer. Without them knowing about it. Hand their situation to God and trust Him to deal with it in His way and time.
When you see on TV a politician, especially one you disagree with, pray for them. Pray that they may find God in their lives and follow Christ's way, truth and light. Also, when you see celebrities on TV deriding and mocking Christianity and promoting a secular way of life; pray for them too that they may experience the love of Christ.
God sends many opportunities in our lives to pray for one another. Whether it is for a relative, a friend, acquaintance or someone you don't know and you see on TV or social media; let us pray for them and their situations. A prayer un-said is an opportunity missed. How do you think God feels about that?
The world is in turmoil right now. Whether on an individual basis, as a family, a nation or globally. There are many needs for prayers.
SUGGESTION: Every day, ask God to send you someone you can help. I did. He took me seriously and now I am inundated with people needing my help.
...Victor, I wish you a peaceful Sunday!
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Tom.
DeleteAhhhh my friend, so many great suggestions for prayer, but most of all I am hit hard by your quote of our Lord: I pray that they may all be one. .... How we as HIS children have strayed and fought within the family. It would be so sweet to be ONE in Him.....(all of us!!!)
ReplyDeleteLove you my brother and glad to have met you. Thanks...
Thank you fro your kindness, Jack. I am a so honoured to have met you on-line. You're always so polite and kind.
DeleteI am saddened too that we as Christians, and as humanity in total, are so divided rather than be united in Him and with Him.
God bless you and Sherry, my friends.
Prayer is the most loving and powerful gift we can give to one another, Victor. God does enjoy hearing from us, so we should call on Him often and love Him always. Have a blessed Sunday!
ReplyDeleteAmen Martha. I agree with what you say.
DeleteGod bless always.
This is an excellent post on prayer, Victor. Your suggestions of who to pray for, and in all situations, is exactly what we should be doing. There is so much for which to pray that "praying without ceasing" is not hard to do!
ReplyDeleteThere is always an opportunity to pray for someone or for something, Barbara. I find it so every time I watch the News.
DeleteGod bless you always.
great post Victor. I will admit that sometimes I wonder if my prayers are repetitive prayers. But I know that what may feel to us like the same words over and over are to God the steady beat of our hearts reaching out in trust. Scripture reminds us to pray without ceasing.
ReplyDeleteIt does not matter if our prayers are repetitive at times; what matters to God is that we keep in touch with Him. Just like a good parent likes to hear from their children every now and then.
DeleteGod bless you and yours Shug.
You know so many times I get overwhelmed by prayers, I do wonder how HE can do it - I feel for HIM.
ReplyDeleteHe is never busy to hear your prayers, Sandie. It pleases Him no end.
DeleteGod bless you and your family.
Probably all of us should pray more!! I have a prayer list and pray every day!!
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. Pray more and pray better and often.
DeleteGod bless you, K.
Praying can strengthen our bond with God. I sometimes ask myself if I pray right, sometimes I just have a conversation.
ReplyDeleteThat's very well put, Bill. Thank you so much - Praying strengthens our bond with God. When we pray, it is an expression of our faith. We show that we trust there is Someone there listening and that we are not just talking to ourselves.
DeleteThank you, Bill. God bless.
Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening oblation". God has something for His pleasure in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteAmen David.
DeleteIt is nice to see you here again. Don't be so long in calling again soon. God bless.
"A prayer un-said is an opportunity missed." Wow. Sometimes I'm guilty of believing God's got His hands full with more important matters; I don't want to bother Him with my trivial challenges. Thank you for reminding us, that's not the case!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry Mevely, God has told me that with over 7 billion people on earth He is spending 95% of His time on my prayers !!! (Kidding).
DeleteSeriously, God wants to hear our prayers, however repetitive or trivial they may seem to us. Remember Christ's parable of the widow who continually pestered a judge to hear her pleas, until he agreed to help her. Jesus was teaching us to persevere in our prayers. Your prayers are important to God, Mevely. Because you are important to Him.
God bless you.
Pray for the people in traffic around you, too, especially those whose driving is dangerous to others. Instead of fussing about them, say a prayer. It's very hard for me to do that, but I'm practicing and getting better.
ReplyDeleteThis is very timely, Mimi. Only yesterday a driver was very rude to me. I don't know what I may have done wrong.
DeleteGod bless.
You are right the world is in turmoil right now, and there is a need for more prayers.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Joining you in prayers Jan. Thank you and God bless you.
DeleteI've been praying for children in Gaza.
ReplyDelete