We have all seen the prayer requests posted on Facebook. Some we scroll by without a second thought. Others we comment saying something like #praying, or a short sentence that lets us move on without guilt. But is our heart in it? Do we ever follow up? Check in on them? Ask how they are or how their situation worked out? Or, . . . did we even pray for them at all?
I believe, scratch that, I KNOW I have taken prayer lightly in my life. Doing it because I knew I needed to, but not really believing in it 100%. It says in James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE."
Let that sink in. Powerful and effective. It says to pray for each other. I don't think it meant to write #praying and call it a day. We as humans can be forgetful. We may not always remember who, or what we said we would pray for. God understands that. But when you scroll through Facebook, or someone is laid on your heart, PRAY. Do it then. Don't wait. It can be out loud, or in your head. Just pray!
Now that's step one. Next, we need to believe in prayer! Believe God hears our voice, and knows our heart. Trust that God has our best interests at heart. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It doesn't mean life will be easy, but we have strength in Him who had no sin.
Lastly, check in on friends who are struggling. Don't write that you're praying if you aren't going to. Care for others as you would yourself.
I pray for you, dear reader. May God move in your life, and your faith be strengthened. I leave you with these verses. Hold them close to your heart, and . . . pray.
Hebrews 4:16
"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
1Thessalonians 5:17
"Pray continually."
I believe, scratch that, I KNOW I have taken prayer lightly in my life. Doing it because I knew I needed to, but not really believing in it 100%. It says in James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE."
Let that sink in. Powerful and effective. It says to pray for each other. I don't think it meant to write #praying and call it a day. We as humans can be forgetful. We may not always remember who, or what we said we would pray for. God understands that. But when you scroll through Facebook, or someone is laid on your heart, PRAY. Do it then. Don't wait. It can be out loud, or in your head. Just pray!
Now that's step one. Next, we need to believe in prayer! Believe God hears our voice, and knows our heart. Trust that God has our best interests at heart. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It doesn't mean life will be easy, but we have strength in Him who had no sin.
Lastly, check in on friends who are struggling. Don't write that you're praying if you aren't going to. Care for others as you would yourself.
I pray for you, dear reader. May God move in your life, and your faith be strengthened. I leave you with these verses. Hold them close to your heart, and . . . pray.
Hebrews 4:16
"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
1Thessalonians 5:17
"Pray continually."
