The first thing I want you to do is pray.
Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.
1 Timothy 2:1 The Message
...roses by dovercards.comThose who pray keep alive the watch fires of faith. For the most part we don't even know their names. Such is the case of someone who prayed on a day long ago. His name is not important. He is important not because of who he was, but because of what he did.He went to Jesus on behalf of a friend. His friend was sick, and Jesus could help, and someone needed to go to Jesus, so someone went. Others cared for the sick man in other ways. Some brought food; others provided treatment; still others comforted the family. Each role was crucial. Each person was helpful, but no one was more vital than the one who went to Jesus.
John writes: "So Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, 'Lord, the one you love is sick'" (John 11:3, emphasis mine).
Someone carried the request. Someone walked the trail. Someone went to Jesus on behalf of Lazarus. And because someone went, Jesus responded.
In the economy of heaven, the prayers of saints are a valued commodity. We can and must repeat the phrase in manifold ways. "The one you love is tired, sad, hungry, lonely, fearful, depressed." The words of the prayer vary, but the response never changes. The Savior hears the prayer. He silences heaven so he won't miss a word. The Master heard the request. Jesus stopped whatever he was doing and took note of the man's words. This anonymous courier was heard by God.
You can talk to God because God listens. Your voice matters in heaven. He takes you very seriously. When you enter his presence, the attendants turn to you to hear your voice. No need to fear that you will be ignored. Even if you stammer or stumble, even if what you have to say impresses no one, it impresses God--and he listens.
You are the someone of God's kingdom. Your prayers move God to change the world. You may not understand the mystery of prayer. You don't need to. But this much is clear: Actions in heaven begin when someone prays on earth. What an amazing thought!
When you speak, Jesus hears. And when Jesus hears, the world is changed. All because someone prayed.
...an excerpt from Max Lucado's book 'For These Tough Times'
I'm sending the box of roses to all my praying friends. Our prayers matter...and we can pray for those we don't even know. Not that long ago...I became part of an internet prayer room. It is a place where a small group of like-minded women share what's on their hearts...and we all bring those things before the throne of God. What's shared there...stays there...it's all between us and our heavenly Father. It's been a wonderful experience...to pray for each other and to see how God has been answering. When we speak...Jesus hears!
What a lovely image...I missed that one!
ReplyDeleteMax Lucado is such a blessing...his words resonate deep in my heart. Thank you for sharing this excerpt.
What a wonderful thing to be a part of a unique prayer group. May God's richest blessings be upon all those who do the work of lifting others in prayer.
Great post..thankyou and thank you for praying for Joseph, he is home with Daddy while Mummy is with Jesse in Piet Retief waiting to sort out her visa.
ReplyDeleteGreat encouragement. Both you and Max say it so well. Thanks
ReplyDeleteMartha
There is no doubt about the power of prayer. I've been the recipient on more than one occasion - prayed for by people I'll never meet, but strengthened and uplifted by their prayer. Why do we think we need to do everything alone?
ReplyDeleteYour Sunday posts are always so beautiful.
Prayer is powerful. Thank you so much for your encouraging post this morning. Blessings, Heather
ReplyDeleteJudy, I am so sorry that tomorrow is your mother's birthday, and she is not here. That must hurt so much! March 8th is my dad's birthday and he is not here either. At times like that we miss them even more. Thank you for that great post that you shared. Prayer is a real privilege for all of us. It blessed my heart today.
ReplyDeleteI am so encouraged by this post. Each and every time that a prayer warrior goes to be with Jesus, it feels like such a loss. It just spurs me on to fill the gap. . .
ReplyDeleteWhen my parents both passed away, I suddenly realized how much I had taken their daily requests to God on our behalf forgranted. I now appreciate so much the prayers of my friends. It truly matters.
Max always knows how to tourch the soul. He is so relevant and I think that's what Jesus wants us to be.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouraging words.
Prayer is such a privilege. Tuning our hearts to hear His desires, not just our own. What grace He gives, drawing us closer to His presence! We are blessed aren't we? Thanks for your good reminders.
ReplyDeleteAn internet prayer group? How cool is that.
ReplyDeleteI am so with you on this subject of prayer.
Anyone, anywhere, at anytime can be in service to the King on their knees.
It is a privilege I treasure.
all i can say to this is AMEN!
ReplyDeleteand agree with you in every sense of what you said....it truly is a privelage to pray!
I have always been moved by Max Lucado's writings, and that one is very telling.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to be part of such a prayer group, to know that from around the world prayers are being said.
Such an encouragement, Judy. Thank you.
Judy, I normally don't care for anything other than the King James version. This passage is simply beautiful in "The Message" format.
ReplyDeleteMy own Mother is in her early eighties and still lamments her Mother's passing which was decades ago.
Sometimes we are at a loss as to help those we love, but we are always able to lift them up in prayer.