I’m Praying for You

When you say, “I am praying for you” what does that really mean? Dorothea shares.

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greeting. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Colossians 4:12).

The phone rings. It’s my sister. “I need you to pray for me.”

A friend from church emails me. “Can I call you to pray with me?”

My neighbor calls across the backyard, “Send up a prayer.”

My aunt sends a note in the mail and writes, “Thanks for the card and for your prayers!”

I never take it lightly if someone asks me to pray for them. Even though it’s a cliché to say it, I truly believe that prayer changes things. So, I keep a prayer journal, and I write out a prayer list every month. I don’t do these things to seem “spiritual,” but I do them to keep track of the requests so I won’t forget.

The lists also encourage me when read over them and see how God moves on our behalf–sometimes answering just as we’ve prayed; other times answering in a way that’s best for us; and even those times His answer is a challenge that draw us closer to Him.

Right now, I’m going through major upheavals with my health. I’m facing new levels of medical testing, visiting specialists, and facing treatments that I never imagined. I feel uncertain about a lot of the issues, and I find myself asking others to pray for me.

Paul’s words in today’s verse make me think of friends and family who are praying for me. There’s comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. During these hectic and unpredictable days, I feel the fear subsiding when I remember all the people who are thinking about me and asking God to watch over me and touch my life.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember that “the prayers of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Amen.

About the author:
Dorothea Love lives in Southern California with her husband. They are the proud parents of two adult children. She has lived with chronic pain and illness for over 35 years. Her struggles have taught her to trust in God. One of her favorite scriptures is II Corinthians 12:9-10, which taught her to rely on God to strengthen her and help her. She lives her life as proof that God’s grace is sufficient for her weakness. Her goal as an author is to inspire others as she shares how God is using her pain and illness to transform her life. Her blog is: http://www.dorothealove.wordpress.com.

What is your routine when it comes to praying for others? Do you keep a written list, use an app, pray for people when you see their photo?

This is Babbie Mason singing, “I’m Praying for You.” Know that there are prayers on your behalf. Even I pray for you all each day. There are days when I have wondered how on earth I will get through something and then later I find out that people I didn’t even know were praying for me. There are unknown people out there praying for you to. Be blessed. Be hopeful. Hugs–really! -Lisa