There are so many opportunities to pray. Many people everywhere are experiencing such hardship and pain. We see a post on social media. We receive a text from someone. We are in a meeting and someone shares their heart. It seems like everywhere you turn, there is a need for prayer.
Have you told people you will pray for them or are praying for them? Have you made good on your promise? I have found that the best intentions can go left undone if they are not handled in the moment they are presented. I truly believe that God makes us aware of things exactly in His perfect time because He wants us to respond and join Him in bringing support, encouragement and love to people’s lives.
The scripture says in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
How can we allow ourselves to make room for God to be felt with us, even when we are unable to physically be with others in prayer?
I have some practises that have worked for me.
The moment I receive a text I stop myself from writing the words I will pray for you and instead write my prayer out to them. I believe that when I press send, when they receive it, we are praying together. God is with us as he transcends time and space.
As long as I am available to answer a phone call, I am available if someone shares a need, to pray with them in that moment. Again, I stop myself from asking “can I pray for you?” and instead say “let’s pray now.” God is with us as his Spirit breaks across the sound waves.
All of these practises are actually one repeated action. I stop and drop. I stop what I am doing – in my heart and spirit – I drop to my knees in prayer.
When I am in a zoom meeting and someone shares a request, I stop the meeting if that is an opportune time or I make sure that before the meeting ends that I suggest we pray together for what was shared. God stops us so that He can meet with us.
As I read messages that are posted on social media platforms, whether or not I know the person, if God impresses on my heart to pray, I will type out my prayer as the response or leave a voice message to the person who posted.
All of these practises are actually one repeated action. I stop and drop. I stop what I am doing, and in my heart and spirit, (sometimes physically depending on where I am), I drop to my knees in prayer.
The times of prayer do not have to be and most times are not, convenient. We are not told to only pray sometimes or when we feel it is the right time or when we actually have time, but always, continually, at any moment in time and God will hear. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray continually”. Stopping at the moment a request is made, is a decision to continually be in communion with God. It is evidence that we truly trust and depend on God. Doing it together helps each of us to learn to keep going to God and it strengthens our faith. It strengthens our confidence in our choice to pray.
Psalm 145:8 tells us that “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Prayer is the way to bring the Lord close and when we do it together there is strength in numbers. He hears the urgency. He hears the agreement.
Colossians 4:2 instructs us to “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” When we are devoted to something we don’t mind doing it or being with it, however and whenever. We love what we are devoted to. Do you love prayer? Do you love praying for or with someone? If we are devoted to prayer, we consider it a privilege to pray at any moment with any person. God’s power is unleashed in our devotion. God’s presence is realised through prayer. When there is a need the best gift we can give is God’s presence.
We allow our love to show when we pray with others. We help others to see the love of God through agreeing in prayer. Philippians 4:5-7 says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer is evidence that we are soft towards others and God. It lets our “gentle” heart show. It shows our compassion and empathy. We testify to the closeness of God. He is near. He is especially near when two or more agree through prayer while bearing one another’s burdens. We all need peace when a storm rages. Prayer together allows us to experience God’s protection in the time of storm. His peace that is inexplainable guards us. Every opportunity to pray is an opportunity to let God take over and to let God take care of our challenges. Every opportunity to pray is an opportunity to invite God into our lives. Every opportunity to pray is an opportunity to thank God for His power and presence. Every opportunity to pray is a time to join God in what He is doing and to bring Him closer.
In every situation, what is most needed, is God. God wants more of us praying. He wants more of us praying together. He promises to meet with us when we are together. Let’s stay together, longer and more, even when we are physically apart. Let’s pray without ceasing and let God answer more prayers. God’s promises are true.
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