WHO ARE YOU LIFTING UP IN PRAYER?
Christian musician, Steven Curtis Chapman, has written a song entitled "Carry You to Jesus". It is a song about lifting up another person in prayer. The person is going through a difficult time in which there are no words to offer or an understanding heart is just not enough in this case. So the songwriter promises to do the only thing that really can be done -- pray for them -- not just promise to pray for them or merely say the words -- but to honestly pray for that person.
Since returning from vacation, I have been struck by how important it is to pray for one another. In two days, two people in our church family lost a parent to death, several people have battled illnesses or are taking care of loved ones who are facing serious health issues. Others are going through tough times because of job loss or family issues or some other change in life.
I had conversations with several people while in Florida. One was a grandmother who has raised her two grandchildren because their mother (her daughter) ended up in prison. Now, the oldest of the two who will be a senior in high school is pregnant and she will probably have to raise her great-grandchild. Another person shared with me one of the struggles they are having with their son who is a college student and making some bad choices. Another shared how their son will be coming home from Afghanistan this coming week and has had ups and downs in his life and they are hoping for good things for him. Another father shared with me how hard a time he is having letting go of his youngest child who is heading off to college and leaving their home.
In all these, the most important thing I can do is lift them up in prayer. To, "carry them to Jesus" as the song puts it. Yes, I can offer words of hope and encouragement and comfort. Yes, I can offer a hug and an understanding heart. Those things matter. Nothing matters though more than remembering to lift another person in prayer.
This month, our public schools will begin another year. We all know that there are issues confronting one of our school systems and in all our school systems, these are changing and challenging times. I have done my share of griping and offering my solutions. But there is still one thing more. I can lift up our teachers, administrators, school board, support staff, students, and parents in prayer. As another school year begins, all of us can be in prayer for our schools -- teachers and students. I wonder what would happen if all of us did just that -- carried our schools to Jesus?
Paul in I Timothy 2 encourages us to lift up one another in prayer. To be faithful to pray for each other and others who may be on our hearts and in need. I encourage all of us to grow in praying for one another. Use the prayer list in the bulletin or newsletter. Use the birthday list and anniversary lists and pray for those folks on their special days. Remember those in our church family who grieve the loss of a loved one. Remember those are struggling with illnesses or caring for a loved one at home. Remember our homebound and nursing bound families. Remember in prayer those who have lost jobs, are single parents, those in the military and their families, as well as our nation's leaders.
What would happen if you and I really started "carrying people to Jesus"? I suspect it would matter more than we would know. Will you join with me in praying for one another?
Grace and Peace be with you in Jesus Christ.
Jeff