“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” 1 Timothy 2:1.

The bible teaches us that we all suffer like afflictions in this life. That means that we are all going through something. Psalm 34:19 reads “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”  It is with a heart of compassion and godly love, that we lift others before God in prayer. It is a privilege and duty to give Him the glory; and seek His goodness, grace, mercy, and strength for someone else along this journey called life.

I receive a blessing every time I hear of God’s answered prayer in the lives of those that I consistently carrying before His throne of grace. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” 1 John 5:14-15.

I recall the examples like a young mother of five with brain cancer, who our prayer group had been faithfully lifting before God, in turned she was faithfully shared her story. The specifics of her physical condition may not have changed significantly, but praise God, I could read the strength, praise, and hope in God that she clung too at that very moment; or the expectant mother who suddenly went into distress months before her due date…and by God’s sustaining power, a two pound baby girl was brought safely into this world; and over six weeks later the premature infant had made monumental growth strides and went home from the NICU with her parents, and the list of God’s innumerous blessings goes on!

What a testimony when you can go through life most difficult and debilitating circumstances, yet by faith witness to His goodness, grace and sustaining power. God also miraculously blesses, strengthens, and give us the courage to hold on to His unchanging hands, when we are found faithful in prayer, not just for ourselves, but for others. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16.

God shows up in His own time and way; He provides comfort, healing, and peace in the lives of His beloved children. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that His grace is sufficient “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

God is our hope for every tomorrow, let us continue steadfast in prayer for one another; He will give each of us the grace that we need to run this race. It is a divine privilege and our Christian duty to pray. Timothy 2:1 admonishes us “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”

What a blessing it is to hear “Our Father” answer the prayers of His children and how He alone keeps us all safe in His arms. Always stay faithful to the charge to pray for others…Charles Wesley wrote these words long ago:

A charge to keep I have,

A God to glorify,

A never-dying soul to save,

And fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

My calling to fulfill:

Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage

To do my Master’s will!

God blessings of peace, joy, and healing be with us all.