There is something I really need to work on. It’s asking other people to pray with and for me. As a pastor I am always, always humbled when people say they are praying for me and my family. I know they are; I know we need it; I know that is an expression of God’s goodness. How amazing He is to touch people’s hearts to pray for ME!
But when it comes to asking others to pray for me, I just don’t think of it. In a prayer circle I will always share something, even if it is the same old thing. Why? I know that I need the prayer and others really do want to pray for me. So, why don’t I think of asking others for prayer when I am going through it? Maybe you are asking yourself the same question.
Here in America we lift up the individual and especially the individual who doesn’t need anyone. For many of us, our first response is to try to do it alone. How’s that working for you? In contrast, the Scriptures give many, many examples of people praying together. In fact, even though we see Jesus praying alone most often, if you keep your eyes open as you read I think that you will notice that most other references to prayer are TOGETHER.
In Paul’s letters he regularly asks his friends to pray for him and gives specific prayer requests. These requests are usually near the beginning of the end of the letters. (Take a look at Romans 15:30-32. Click here.) In the letter to the Philippians he describes their prayers as partnership with him in the preaching of the Gospel. He sees their prayers as adding to his ministry and refers to their prayers as a reason why he hopes and expects to be delivered from his current imprisonment. (Philippians 1:3-8, 19.) Think about it. How successful was Paul’s ministry? We are still reading thirteen of the letters he wrote that have become part of what we call the New Testament in the Bible. He has influenced, not thousands, but millions, of people through his writing. I would call that pretty successful! He considers those who prayed for him as part of his success. I’d have to say that I feel the same way about any success I have experienced. I know who I am without God. It’s His power through the prayers of others that enables me to accomplish anything. So, why don’t I ask? Why don’t YOU ask?
When you ask for prayer:
You are humbling yourself by asking for help. (Maybe that is a key to why you and I don’t ask!)
You are giving more people the opportunity to rejoice with you when the answer comes. (You are actually doing something for them when you invite them in!)
You give more people the opportunity to see God’s gracious response. (They get to know Him better by watching Him answer prayers for you!)
Paul tells the Galatians to “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”(Galatians 6:2 NIV) People can’t bear your burden if you don’t let them know about it. You are giving them an opportunity to obey Scripture by asking for prayer. Isn’t that a good thing?!
Let me just sidetrack here for a moment and say that you ARE worth it. Your burdens DO matter. YOU are not a burden when you share your troubles with a trusted prayer partner. You and I are supposed to do that and WE are not acting in humility when we minimize our own need for prayer. Pride isn’t always thinking that I am better. Most often it is thinking I am right. When you or I decide that we are not worth someone else’s attention, we are not agreeing with God. We think we are right and He is wrong. When we try to handle it on our own with God, we are not doing what He told us to do. Again we think we are right and He is wrong. That may be an ouch for someone, but I love you enough to say it and I have most definitely been there! Recognize pride in all its forms!
When you pray for someone else:
You really are helping them. (Take a look at what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:11 here)
You are demonstrating your love for them. (Back to Romans 15: 30-32)
You are participating with the Holy Spirit in accomplishing God's purposes. (Romans 15 again!)
Dear One, whatever you are going through, you don’t have to go through it alone. God is there for you through the prayers of others. Will you pray for me that I will be more aware of when I need to ask for prayer? And, Beloved Friend, I will do the same for you. May His peace be with you as we share our burdens. Amen.
Key thought: We need each other’s prayers.
A Scripture to consider: “And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.” 2 Corinthians 1:11 NLT
A YES challenge: What is the burden you are currently facing? Who do you trust to share that burden with? Call them today and set a time to get together. Share with them and ask them to pray with you. Make sure to pray together before you end your time.
Prayer: Lord, You haven’t made me to go through life alone, yet I often find myself there. I know I should reach out, but sometimes I just don’t think of it. Other times, I minimize my problems when I compare them to other people’s problems. I don’t reach out, even though I could really use the support. Help me to overcome trying to handle things on my own. Help me to include others so that they can rejoice with me when You come through, as I know you will. Then You will be glorified and that is what matters most. Amen.