Weekly Devotions:
Pray For One Another (Part 3)
March 26, 2006
(click here to download as a Microsoft Word document)
· Read James 5:13-18. In this passage James is instructing his readers about prayer, specifically about praying for those who are suffering and sick (verse 13-14). James commands us in verse 16 to “pray for one another.” In the original language the verb “pray” carries with it the idea of continual action. In other words, the command is to pray, and keep on praying, for one another. Do you regularly pray for others within the church? Do you pray for those who you know are sick or suffering or experiencing hardship?
· As we think about praying for others, the Apostle Paul provides an excellent example for us to follow. He was always praying for other believers throughout the churches that he ministered to (2 Corinthians 13:7; Ephesians 1:8; Philippians 1:9; Colossians 1:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:11).
· Read Colossians 1:9-14. Here Paul is describing how he has been praying for the Colossian Christians. His prayer for them instructs us in six practical ways as we consider how we are to pray for one another:
· 1) Paul’s love for the Colossians Christians moved him to pray for them. Even though at this point in his ministry Paul had never seen them (2:1), his prayer for them reveals his heartfelt attitude of love toward them. Does your love for others motivate you to pray for them and to take their needs before God in prayer?
· 2) Paul prays for them even though in many respects they are doing good. He begins his prayer in verse 9 by saying, “for this reason” which points back to what he has already stated about them in the previous verses. Look at Colossians 1:3-6. Paul prays for them because he has heard about their faith in Christ, love for all the saints, and that they are growing in the grace of the Lord. Paul’s prayers for others were not bound to only being during times of hardship. Do you pray for others only when they are experiencing hardship? When was the last time you prayed to God on behalf of another person because of the good that God was doing in their life?
· 3) Paul knew about the lives of the Colossian Christians and was therefore able to pray specifically for their needs. Epaphras told Paul all about the Colossian Christians (1:7-8) so he was able to pray for them in an informed way. We need to know each other well enough that we can pray and ask God for specific things in other’s lives. Do you know other Christians well enough to pray specifically for their needs? How specific are your prayers for others?
· 4) Paul prayed regularly for them. Look at Colossians 1:3 and 1:9. Paul says he prays always and without ceasing for the Colossian Christians. Does that describe how you pray for other Christians? Are your prayers for others “hit-and-miss” or do you have someone that you regularly pray for?
· 5) Paul tells them that he is praying for them. This may seem insignificant, but think of what an encouragement it would be for someone to know that you are praying for them. When you pray for someone do you let them know about it?
· 6) Paul prays for their spiritual needs. Many times we are moved to pray for others when a physical need arises. Read Colossians 1:9-12 and notice what Paul is asking God to do in the lives of the Colossian believers. Does this type of “spiritual” need praying characterize your prayer life? Are your prayers for others simply for things that are “physical” and “material” while neglecting their “spiritual” needs?
· Pray for someone within the church this week. Give them a call or write them a quick note letting them know that you are praying for them. Ask someone how you could pray for them. Open up to someone within the church and ask them to pray for you in a specific area of your life. As you do, watch how God answers prayer as we “pray for one another.”
Devotions Archive:
Love One Another (Part1)
March 12, 2006
Love One Another (Part 2)
March 19, 2006
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