I prayed for you, not only for all who read what I write, but also for those I know who don’t, because all of you are on one of my prayer lists that I have been fervent to pray through over time. My prayer list is not on paper but consists of contacts in my phone, my email distribution list, my FaceBook friends, because if you are on any of those platforms, that means you are important to me for one reason or another. I may not know your name or what you are walking through, but God does, and that is enough for me to bring you before Him. And for those of you who read my devotionals that are shared by someone else, I said a blanket prayer to cover you as well.
I am encouraged to pray for others because of verses like what is written in *1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people…* There is something powerful about knowing that our prayers do not have to be limited by distance, relationship, or even our ability to know someone’s circumstances. I realize what many of you are thinking, “How did you really pray specifically for me?” I am not sure of all of your needs, but one thing I know for sure is God does, so that is why my prayer is simple, “May God’s will be done in your life and may you be okay with it,” while trusting in what is written in *Romans 8:28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [being a partner in their labor, who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good to and for those who love God, to those who are called according to His design, plan and purpose.*
As a Pastor, I am told things that most of the rest of the world will never hear about. I know of some that have family members that are either sick and waiting for healing, or dying and preparing to go into glory. There are many that have marriages or relationship issues that are heartbreaking. Family members dealing with mental illness and/or substance abuse, and the list goes on and on. Behind the smiles, the posts, and the everyday conversations are people carrying burdens that only God fully sees. Sometimes we have no idea what someone is carrying, which is another reason I believe prayer is so important. We may not know the details, but God does, and we can trust Him with the things we cannot see.
I pray for others because there is probably nothing I cherish more than when someone prays for me because it is one of the greatest outpourings of love there can be. Charles Spurgeon said something a long time ago that touches my heart today, and I realize that this goes both ways: “No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me.” I believe that is true. To pray for someone is to say, in the simplest way possible, “You matter to me, and I am willing to take you before the One who can do what I cannot.” Our time on earth is limited and for someone to invest their time on my behalf, to go before the throne of grace for my family and I is a priceless gift. There is something humbling about knowing that someone has taken the time to call your name before God, asking Him to intervene, strengthen, comfort, guide, or simply remind you that you are not alone.
Quite a few years ago I shared about my prayer list in a teaching I did. After the service a woman approached me and asked if I would put her on my prayer list, “in my phone.” I asked her name and she said Tina, then I asked, what do you want me to pray for you about? She said, “My four sons.” I have no number entered in, just, “Tina, four sons,” simple and to the point. That little entry in my phone has stayed with me because it reminds me that prayer does not have to be complicated to be meaningful. I have come to understand that even the simplest of prayer can accomplish much when taken before our awesome loving God.
It also reminds me that none of us are outside the reach of God’s love, and none of us should ever feel that we have to walk through life completely alone. There is always room for another name on the prayer list, another person to encourage, and another life to love and lift before God. No matter who you are, where you come from, what you are facing, or how alone you may feel, there is a place for you in the prayers of God’s people. My prayer is that each of you will know that there is hope for tomorrow, grace for today, and a God who sees you, knows you, and cares deeply about you. May we continue to make room for one another, to pray for one another, and to love one another with the same grace and compassion that God has so freely given to each of us.
My prayers are with you my friends.
My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog
Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*
To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.
