Not long
ago, a friend of mine was facing surgery. Two disks in his back and a detached
Achilles tendon were creating a lot of pain. After assuring him of my prayers,
I was struck with the idea of sending him something in writing to further
encourage him. So I sent the following e-mail:
“This is
what I prayed for you today. ‘Living God, I thank You for Your sovereign
control over life’s events. On behalf of Your dear servant, I ask that You
would give him deep peace. I pray for the physicians as they apply their
medical skills, that You would give them excellent results. May Your healing
hand touch him and bring him back into full service for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.’ ”
The
apostle Paul wrote prayers to encourage other believers (Phil. 1:9-11; Col.
1:9-12; 2 Thess. 1:11-12). He wrote to the Ephesians: “[I] do not cease to give
thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and
revelation in the knowledge of Him” (1:16-17).
Do you
have friends or family members who need your prayers of encouragement right
now? Besides letting them know that you’re praying for them, try sending a
written prayer as well.
Praying
for others is a privilege—and a responsibility. (RBC)
