Don’t forget to pray for others
Do you ever get consumed with what’s going on in your own life that it’s all you think about and pray about? I’m embarrassed to admit that I do, at times. I was reminded recently, as I studied the book of Philippians, that I shouldn’t be so caught up in what’s going on in my life that I forget everything else. The following verses stood out to me as I read.
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:3?-?6 NLT
I have read these verses many times. However, this time as I meditated on them I heard the Holy Spirit saying, “The people that I place in your life are deserving of your prayers.”
I was convicted because I know I hadn’t been praying for others like I should. Sometimes there’s so much on my personal prayer list that I forget that part of my job as a Christian is to pray for others also. So, I made a new commitment to pray for others just as Paul did. He made time to thank God for the people who partnered with him and joyfully made requests of God on their behalf.
It would have been understandable if Paul has been selfish in his prayer after all, he was writing from jail. You’d think he was the one who needed prayer more. However, there he was putting other’s before himself. I want to be more like Paul, to be less consumed by my own needs and pray even more for others that God will work in their hearts and lives.
What has God reminded you about lately?
What a great message, Bernadine. I love the book of Philippians; it has so much wisdom for us to live by.
God has reminded me that I need to continue to encourage others. The reach out with His love.
Thank you, Iris! I love Philippians also.
God has been dealing with me about this as well. Good point!
Thank you, Luwana!