Praying for Others

By John T. McNeal

How many times have you been on your way out the church doors on a Sunday afternoon, when someone stops you to have a short conversation? These conversations usually include the general topic of what is going on in each other’s lives but, it is more than just trivial information in most cases. The other person is trying to lead you to the main topic of the conversation. At the pinnacle of the conversation, that person usually asks you, “Will you pray for me?”  

You agree to pray for them and their situation as you leave. As your walk toward your car, you reflect on the conversation that you just had and try to make some reference to remember to pray for that individual. By the time you leave the parking lot, your stomach reminds you that you haven’t eaten since breakfast. That’s when you strike up a conversation with your spouse or friends regarding where they would like to eat. Between the hustle and bustle of the rest of the day and the time you put your head on your pillow that night, you totally forget the commitment you made earlier.

I don’t know of any Christian who has deliberately turned down the opportunity to pray for another soul in need. It seems that prayer gives us a great opening to serve another Christian without much effort. Prayer gives us the ability to go before the Almighty God on behalf of others, to seek His favor to heal them, get them a job, mend a broken heart, and countless other requests. Not to mention that it is one of the greatest weapons that God has given us to defend ourselves and others against this world. So why do we forget?

I will be the first to say that this has happened to me many times. It is not that I am lacking in faith or belief that God will do an awesome job in touching someone’s life. There is not even an inkling of doubt in me that God is not in control of every matter of that person’s life. If I was to put my finger on the source of the problem, I would have to say it is pure laziness and selfishness.  Of course, I don’t mean to be – it just happens.  

I have a few solutions that may help you remember to pray for those in need. The first option is do it right then and there. There is no time like the present. I just ask them if they are ready then we start praying. This allows them to see that I take their request seriously and is a great way to improve my relationship with them.

Many people keep an object that reminds them to pray. Some people put a little sticker on their watch; others put a sticky note on their desk or in their car. I personally carry a rock in my pocket. I have a rock because it reminds me that if I don’t cry out to the Lord…. it will. It is the size of a quarter and it looks like a heart. Here is a small suggestion when choosing a rock: find a rock with smooth edges, so you don’t end up with holes in your pockets.  

My last suggestion is to get a notebook and write those prayers down. Keep the notebook beside your bed, so that it will remind you to be diligent about your prayer life. A notebook will also allow you to keep track of who you are praying for and to see the progress in their situations. It will also let you see what God is doing in your life by way of your prayers.

Prayer is an awesome tool that allows us to communicate our problems, concerns and adorations to the Father. As a body of believers, let’s utilize this tool so that it not only benefits the body of Christ but also makes a difference in the world. Earthly kingdoms have risen and fallen through the power of prayer. Let’s use it wisely.

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