PRAY FOR BELIEVERS

Phil. 1:3-4 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy.

When was the last time you thought of someone and gave thanks for them, especially believers? Do you think of fellow believers with a grateful heart or a critical spirit? We may not be in agreement with the thinking of other believers or even how they are living out their faith, but we ought to thank the Lord for them. Everyone who is serving the Lord in the world is doing good for the glory of Christ. Thank the Lord for what good they are able to do. And if they are not serving out of loyalty to Christ, thank Him for them anyways because the Word of God that goes forth from them does not return to God empty handed.

When was the last time you actually prayed for other believers beside those who you know or like? We should pray for each other that we will live out faith in an honorable way. We should be praying that all of us will have a positive impact on the world for Christ. We should be praying for each other that we might grow into greater faith and holiness of heart.

The wonder of praying for each other is that the more we pray for each other the more we grow to love each other in the Lord. And, the more we love each other, the more joy fills our hearts as we pray. It’s a win-win situation.

Whenever the Lord brings to your mind someone to pray for, pray with thanksgiving for them and what they are doing for the Lord. Let the Lord fill your heart with joy as you remember those for whom Jesus died and are now serving Him.