Monday; July 3

        When someone asks us to pray for them most of us are more than happy to oblige.  We are willing to support one another and often their request is pretty straightforward – they ask us to pray that a disease is cured, a burden is lifted or a blessing is granted.  While these prayers are pretty focused, what happens when they ask us to pray for them and don’t give us any directions?  Sometimes they may not know what they want, other times they may have conflicting options or there might be a few times when they don’t know how to put into words what they want.  There may even be a few times when they ask us to pray for something and our wisdom tells us that what they are seeking is not in their best interest.  What do we do when there is no direction or conflicting directions?
When it comes to these times of prayer, there are at least two things we can do.  First (and always) we should be praying that the Lord’s will be done.  When Jesus knew what was best for mankind – but, was struggling with the commitment He was asked to make – He prayed, “… Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”.  (Luke 22:42)  God is the Creator and Sustainer of the world, He knows what should be done.  A second petition that can be made is for the Lord to hear the prayers of the one(s) most significantly impacted by the issues.  We may not have a strong feeling one way or another, but others might.  Sometimes the most help we can offer is when we figuratively lift up the arms of another in prayer.  Our simple, but heartfelt prayer might be “Hear their prayer!”.
Let’s continue to pray for one another.  Not only is it a spiritual command, it is also a wonderful blessing of being a part the Christian family.
          Think About It!

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