Pray for One Another

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. (1 Samuel 12:23 NIV)

I stumbled upon this verse this morning as I searched for a devotional topic. It's one of those verses I don't ever remember seeing even though I've read through the bible three or four times. And what a thought-provoking verse it is!

How often have we promised someone we would pray for them and then forgotten? How often have we read a prayer request email, gave a sympathetic "tsk, tsk" and then went about our day without even taking a second to bring the request to God? How often have we known that people we know... often people we love... were going through tough times and failed to pray for them? Did you know that we "sin against the Lord by failing to pray for (them)?"

Many times I have heard people who have come through difficult circumstances say that they have "felt" the prayers said for them and it helped them to persevere. I don't doubt it, because I have felt prayers lifted up on my behalf... and it does help - tremendously. What a simple action we can do on behalf of those who are suffering. And what a great help it is! Why do we not use this most effective tool more often?

Take time right this minute to pray for three people that need some prayer. Right now.... I will join you...

Let's make it a habit throughout our days to pray for those who need us to intercede for them.

Father,
Help us to remember to pray for others that we might not sin against you in this way. Amen.

Joys: Several days off in a row; 4th of July celebrations; early morning call from Richard