2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Jeremiah 30:1-31:26 ESV, 1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV, Psalm 87:1-7 ESV, Proverbs 25:18-19 ESV
Daily Verse: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,” (1 Timothy 2:1 ESV)
DEESIS (1162): “A petition: -prayer. Prayer for particular benefits.”[1]
Particular benefits.
Praying for others means asking God specifically to meet the needs in their life. The more specific I can pray, the better. Paul urges the church to talk to God about its members’ struggles.
People regularly text prayer requests. Praying for others energizes me. Knowing we serve a mighty God, I get excited, wondering what He will do. The Lord always comes through, never the way I think, but He never fails. My friend Lynda says, “Praying for others is an honor.”
Honor others.
Praying ranks as the best thing to do for those you love. Chatting with God about their problems allows two things to happen. First, you talk to the One who can help, no matter the situation. Talking to a mechanic about a heart transplant does no good. But when you speak to a heart surgeon, you’ll get some answers.
And secondly, the Lord assigns divine tasks. Something tangible you can do to help the person through whatever the situation. Sometimes, God asks you to continue to pray or send them a text or meal. The Creator’s reply differs as much as the problems do; no two the same.
Praying for others honors them. Not only does praying build a better bond with the Creator as you watch His plan unfold, but it also helps you tap into God’s peace. Knowing you can’t control what happens to the ones you love, at least you can talk to the one Who does.
Whoever asks you to pray for them today, ask for details. Find out the little things they hope will happen, and petition God on their behalf. Ask God to let them feel His presence as He guides them through their circumstances.
Nothing beats the power of prayer, especially when you pray for others.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 63) Thomas Nelson
