Besides yourself?

I will readily admit that I am self-focused 90% of the time, if not more. It’s hard not to dwell on everything affecting me, my mood, and my physical being. But when I read a post about my sister-in-Christ who had a serious set-back after months of struggling to recover from complications after surgery—I questioned why it was so hard to remember to pray for others.

I’ve been taught that the trick is to pray immediately when someone asks or a need is shared. So I usually do. But what about ongoing issues? Can I carve out time to pray for the needs of others? And more outside my comfort zone, can I do something to help in someway?

There are a few scriptures that came to mind. Let’s look at those.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

As Christians, we are meant to be a praying people. When I think about what God’s good and perfect will is for my life, I am confident that prayer is a major portion.

We’re not limited to praying for people who ask for prayer or for praying only for believers. Prayer can be overarching.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ NLT‬‬

As we live and move in faith, the power held in Jesus’ name extends beyond healing.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The working of miracles may seem above our pay grade, but we should pray with faith, anyway. And besides praying for healing, there are practical things we can do.

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭34‬-‭36‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I fall unquestionably short of the ideal. Thank God, He’s not done with me, yet. I always have room for improvement. I’m going to challenge myself to think of someone, besides myself, that I can pray for everyday; and when the opportunity presents itself, not to immediately think I have too much anxiety to help someone in need.

Is there someone that comes to mind when you read these scriptures? Will you take a minute to pray? Or maybe call or visit?

I feel the need for caution here. Don’t allow the devil to bring condemnation. Not everyone is gifted with an intercessor’s calling. I only want to encourage you and me, to ask the Lord to guide us. Even if it leads beyond our comfort.

I have more than one person on my mind to pray for.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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