As Christians, we hear a lot about the power of prayer and how taking time out of our day to talk to God has an incredible impact on both us and on those around us. Even as someone who accepted Jesus into my heart as a young girl, I’m still in awe to this day about how true those statements are.
Prayer brings us closer to God
After all, how to we get to know people? We get to know and bond with others through conversation. God already knows what’s on your heart, but He wants you to tell Him personally. Tell Him about things you’re grateful for, things you’re worried about, and the people in your life. Prayer isn’t simply going to Him with requests or complaints. It is a time to thank and praise Him for the work He’s doing in your life as well as seek guidance.
It is powerful
We are called to pray with and for each other.
“13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:13-16 ESV).”
There is power in praying for the sick and those who are suffering. Prayer may not always give us the answer or the results we want, but that’s where we need to trust God enough to understand He will give us what we need.
It is uplifting
Sometimes we feel that tap on the shoulder that perhaps we should pray for someone, and we hesitate. It can be scary to put ourselves out there, but the joy and encouragement that results from obeying God and touching someone else’s life with prayer far outweighs the fear. We never know what that other person is going through, and God could be using you to speak to them. Don’t let the pressure scare you! It may seem awkward at first, but trust that God will give you the right words.