#privilegeofpraying #waterwalkinggirls

My phone made a noise alerting me of a text.  I opened the text and read; “I have an appointment with my doctor at 2:00 to get my test results.  Please pray!”  I quickly typed out my response of “I will be praying.”  Then I immediately lifted my friend’s name in prayer as I set the alarm on my phone for 2:00 so I could specifically pray for my friend during her appointment.

I must admit, I have not always been so intentional with praying for others.  In fact sadly in the past I often forgot to pray for others when they asked.  Sure I would tell by friends that I would pray for them, but often I would fail to actually lift their names and intercede on their behalf. In fact, I was burdened with the many requests to pray. How could I possibly remember to pray for all my friends who requested I pray for them or their situations? Our lives are so busy and full of activities and we are often bombarded with prayer requests.  Just saying we will pray for others has no value if it isn’t backed up by actual prayer.  

Through much prayer for clarity and Godly guidance I have since become more intentional.  Now I immediately lift a “breath prayer” in relation to the requests and then set an alarm to pray at specific times if applicable.  Other times I write the names in my journal and lift the requests each morning. My prayers are not lengthy or elaborate, but specific to the request. Through this process I have discovered what a privilege it is to be asked to pray for others.  God places others in our path so that we can be His representative of love.  The Old Testament explains how Job was blessed through praying for his friends.  “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10

Praying for others is a privilege.  I am so honored when others trust me to prayer for them and share their journey with me.  Who has God placed in your path to lift in prayer? What can you do to be intentional about praying for others? How can you represent Christ to others through prayer?