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)
