Asking for Prayer

In recent days I have really began to notice how often people will say, “I don’t really like to ask for prayer for myself, but…” Another closely related behavior that I have noticed is people using sarcasm to express a frustration or concern. The place that these two tactics are really noticeable is in the realm of social media. Someone will make the first statement and then sheepishly express a pray concern. Another common practice is to use the second tactic instead of just coming out and saying, “Hey, I’m going through some stuff,” or “I’m having some struggles right now, please pray for me.”

Never apologize when asking for prayer. This is God’s design. He tells us to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). He further tells us, “keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18). In case you didn’t realize it, these “saints” that He is speaking of are you and me. We are called to keep praying for each other. Prayer is where the real work of bearing one another’s burdens gets done.

When it comes to prayer, we must recognize that we can pray for each other generally or specifically. If I know how to be praying for you, I can be very specific. However, if you have been too embarrassed to share your needs, then I can only pray generally for you. Let us make two commitments to each other: first, let us commit to pray for one another. Second, let’s be committed to sharing our heart in a real and open way.

As we commit to be open and honest with each other, it will be exciting to see what God does. It is through prayer that God moves and works, so let’s be about the work of prayer.

Don’t pray when you feel like it. 

Have an appointment with the Lord and deep it. 

A man is powerful on his knees.

-          Corrie Ten Boom