Thursday, March 3, 2011

Journey of Faith Friday: Praying for Others


Praying for Others

Do you struggle when praying for others?  Do you want to pray for friends and family, but rarely know what to pray for them?  I know I do.  Honestly, there are times I become frustrated with praying for the general needs of others.  Not because I don't want to pray for them, but I don't know what to pray.  I know I can pray anything and everything, as God already knows my every word, my every thought, before it is on my tongue (Psalm 139:1-4).  But, sometimes it feels like I'm rambling.

Good news!!!  

There is guidance

GOD'S WORD always gives guidance.

In the book of Colossians, Paul begins by giving thanks to God for the faith the Colossians have in Jesus Christ.  He continues to reveal the way he has been praying for them in chapter 1, verses 8-12.  These verses provide an excellent guideline for how we can pray for others and ourselves.

9 WAYS YOU CAN PRAY FOR OTHERS (according to Col.1:8-12):
  1. to understand God's Will
  2. to gain spiritual wisdom
  3. to please and honor God
  4. to bear good fruit
  5. to grow in the knowledge of God
  6. to be filled with God's strength
  7. to have great endurance and patience
  8. to be full of Christ's joy
  9. to give thanks always 
    I am also linking this photo up with Katie's SCRIPTURE and A SNAPSHOT this week.

    I have had this written on a note card for a few years, but honestly, I had forgotten about it.  Last week, I was flipping through my Bible, when a bright yellow note card fell to the ground.  I picked up the card and it read, "How to Pray for Others," with the Scripture reference at the top.  If you read Journey of Faith Friday a few weeks ago, you know I have been trying to pray God's Word consistently.  When things like this happen, I am reminded that God truly cares about and is involved in every detail of my life. 
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    You can read previous Journey of Faith posts HERE.


    Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.

    How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

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    7 comments:

    Terry Laudett said...

    That was great advice! Thank you for sharing it. I had not thought of using those verses in praying for others.

    Casey Martinez said...

    I really love seeing beautiful women shining for Christ! This post was encouraging and gave me a renewed perspective on how to pray for people so thank you! I will try and start linking up with you. I think this is a great idea!

    Amy said...

    That is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

    Amy @ Missional Mama

    Kindra said...

    This is a very good reminder of how to pray for others and I'm going to write these down on my own index card. I often feel the exact same way and I know this will help me to be more faithful in praying for the general needs of others. Thanks for sharing girl!

    Katie said...

    Isn't it awesome how the Bible gives us guidance for everything?! Thanks for sharing those!

    Kathleen said...

    What a great post!

    Discovery School at First Baptist Heath said...

    Love this.. and I follow Pauls steps each day.. and I always remember that if we do not know what to say or we do not pray .. "the rocks will cry out". Blessings