Do You Really Mean It?
How many times have we told people that we would pray about a need or a particular issue and didn’t? Could it be that we were sincere at the time, but we forgot to pray? Maybe we don’t realize how effective our prayers actually are. We get so use to saying ―I’ll pray, that it become only words, instead of an action we take to the Lord. Or we don’t realize that when we pray we enter the throne room of God. Our prayers are the aroma of sweet incenses before the Lord. I am sure there have been more times than I would like to admit of why I didn't pray when asked. Nonetheless, it never occurred to me that my refusal to pray is sin before the eyes of my Lord. However, it didn’t take the Lord long to teach me the importance of praying for others’ needs.
Lately, I have been bombarded with severe trials, and my prayer life has changed immensely. It is amazing how fast God gave me understanding of prayer; especially, as I have sought people to pray for me and my family as we travel through the storms of life. We are in great need of people who will pray for others. We need intercessors. In R. A. Torrey’ s book How to Pray states, "Those men whom God set forth as a pattern of what He expected Christians to be—the apostles—regarded prayer as the most important business of their lives. I pray that God will help us get the vision of the privilege He has given with prayer.
Also, I pray that we understand that when we say, ―I’ll pray, we actually do pray; for so many people are hurting and need to know that others are petitioning heaven on their behalf.
Now, by all means, if you say that you will pray, mean it, and begin to pray immediately! 1 Samuel 12:23 ―Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ― Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.‖ How to resolve praying for others when asked. 1. When asked to pray...pray immediately. 2. Write the request down and lay it by your bed. Train yourself to look at your list before you go to bed or first thing in the morning. 3. Always think about what you would do if you would find yourself in the same situation...empathy always works. 4. Be satisfied in knowing that you called on God to help a fellow person in their time of need.
