"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NLT
"Listen," I said to a couple of friends upon hearing about their recent struggles while we were out on a run recently. "You’re not alone in this! I don't need to know any details to pray for you. I simply need to know that you need prayer. So text me the word 'pray' the next time you're feeling worried or anxious and then have peace knowing someone is interceding to the Father on your behalf." "You know," one of them said as she smiled. "Every woman needs a girlfriend they can text that to and know that it’s being done. Don't you think?" "Most definitely," I replied smiling back.
And you know what? Each and every one of us most definitely needs at least one person in our lives that we can count on to pray for us upon being texted one single word. Which means you and I need to be that person for others as well. In other words, we need to be like Paul. You see, Paul was always praying for his brother and sisters in Christ - praying they would be strengthened, encouraged and growing in unity among other things. And you can bet that he fervently prayed that they would never lose hope saying, "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
Wow! That sure is a powerful prayer isn't it? But guess what? Paul didn't need to know specifics to pray for his fellow believers and we don’t either. So if you need prayer today my friend, won't you reach out to someone you know who will provide it? And if you are asked to pray for someone today, won't you do it without asking questions? After all, God knows what we need - you and I just need to pray.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that praying for one another is very, very important. Help us to be open to the Spirit's prompting to intercede for a brother or sister and to be obedient in praying when asked. And Lord, help us to swallow our fear and pride when we are in need of prayer so that we would reach out to someone who will intercede to You on our behalf. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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