Praying One for the Other
Across the bottom of the television screen I read that unemployment is the highest it’s been in seventeen (17) years. Looking around I see a few optimists who view this as an opportunity to start over – to set new boundaries – to pray and search out innovative ideas. I am hearing many talk about their fears — gong to bed and waking up afraid – how could this have happened to me – how will I feed my family — pay the rent/mortgage – put gas in the car? The daily report given by the government is gloom and doom; they see themselves as the only hope for America. The Bible is the Christians’ handbook and when we turn to God in times of crises He is faithful – He is our exceeding great hope.
Some trust in chariots, some in horses but we who are God’s people will remember the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7) His promises are guaranteed.
When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave His word, a rock-solid guarantee — God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God (Heb. 6:17-18 The Message Bible)
It is time for the Body of Christ to ascertain their level of faith and to fully trust God’s promises. Do you proclaim the goodness of God just during the prosperous times, is He your hope when your life is running smoothly? When we look to Him as our great exceeding Hope, we discover that He is the God who delivers us out of all our trials.
James admonishes the Christian to maintain an attitude of joy: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4) During a time of crises we need joy and patience working for us. Who will you believe – where will you place your trust? Where is your focus – God’s goodness or the government’s promises? The choice is yours.
Chuck Pierce of Glory of Zion International wrote: This is a year to gain new understanding and wisdom so we walk in triumph and stay three steps ahead of the enemy! We must develop an overcoming mindset in the changing world and times of crisis we are living in.
It is easy to shout praises and declare our faith when things are going well. This is the time to believe on the Name of the Son of God, declare our faith in God and love one another and our prayers will be answered. (Read I John 3:19-24). This is an opportunity to strengthen our faith in God’s Word. There is much to learn as we enforce the triumphant victory that Jesus won at Calvary.
There are Old Testament examples of people who maintained their faith during adverse situations. When Job suffered a reversal of fortune, lost his health, his wife and children, he searched for the meaning of faith. His three friends who came to see him insisted that he was being punished for his sins and the only solution was repentance. A fourth friend assured him that God was trying to teach him something.
When you sincerely seek answers God is faithful to answer. He revealed His power and wisdom to Job. No longer was Job’s faith in his righteousness or unrighteousness, but in an omniscient and omnipotent God. Job says to the Lord God Almighty: I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, but now my [spiritual] eye sees You. Therefore I loathe [my words] and abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5-6)
The Lord then reprimanded Job’s friends for they had not spoken right things about Him. At God’s instruction they offered up for themselves a burnt offering; and Job, the servant of God prayed for them. After Job had interceded for his friends, God restored his fortune—and then doubled it! All his brothers and sisters and friends came to his house and celebrated. They told him how sorry they were, and consoled him for all the trouble God had brought him. Each of them brought generous housewarming gifts. God blessed Job’s later life even more than his earlier life. (The Message Bible)
During this time of crisis let’s pray to the God who is our exceeding great Hope, praying for one another with joy. Begin praying for the needs of others and see what God will do. Remember, God began to move in Job’s life when he prayed for the needs of his friends. Let us develop an overcoming mindset, resting our faith in the God who knows and the God who sees. He hears and answers prayer.
Please join me as we pray together – united in prayer we stand and we shall see the salvation of the Lord. The following prayer is adapted from Prayers That Avail Much:
Employment
Father, in Jesus’ name, we believe and confess Your Word over our friends and family members who are looking for jobs, knowing that You watch over Your Word to perform it. You are their exceeding great Hope. Your desire is that they prosper and be in health even as their souls prosper. Father, You are the Source of every consolation, comfort, and encouragement. Holy Spirit, give them great courage and strengthen them as they send out their resumes and go out looking for jobs.
Your children work in quietness, earning food and other necessities. They continue in well-doing without weakening. Applying themselves to good deeds — to honest labor and honorable employment — they are able to meet necessary demands.
Father, You know the record of their works and what they are doing. You will set before __________ a door wide open, which no one is able to shut.
They fear not [there is nothing to fear], for You are with them; they look around with confidence without terror and dismay, for You are their God. You will strengthen and harden them to difficulties, yes, You will help them; yes, You will hold them up and retain them with Your [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.
In Jesus they have perfect peace and confidence and they are of good cheer, for Jesus overcame the world and deprived it of its power to harm them. They choose being peaceful and confident for Your peace, Father, mount guard over their hearts and minds. They face every situation with calmness and patience, for they are self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency. Teach them during this period of trial to guard their speech – remind them Holy Spirit to speak excellent and princely things.
Your children prize Your wisdom, Father, and acknowledge You. You direct, make straight and plain their paths, and You promote them. Therefore, Father, they are increasing in Your wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years and in favor with You, Father, and with man! Amen.
(For listing of Scripture references go to https://prayers.org/)
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. (James 5:14 AMP)
In the meantime let us hold fast to our confession of faith, remembering that our hope is strong, and “in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.” (A Hymn of Grace, The Solid Rock by Keith W. Ward)
When you pray for others you have a Divine Helper here on earth (the Holy Spirit) and you are partaking of the intercession of Jesus our High Priest.
Copyright © Germaine Copeland 2009