There's power in prayer

Last week, I described how we need each other. As the body of Christ, we depend on one another. This week, I want to continue with that thought.

I’m learning the power of intercessory prayer. We should pray for each other. When we pray for someone in the body of Christ, we ask God to work on his or her behalf. It’s encouraging for someone struggling through a situation to know someone else is praying for him or her.
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The Bible says, “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 5:16 ESV).

I’m realizing that asking for prayer is sometimes looked down upon. It seems like asking for prayer automatically makes you appear messed-up. You usually can’t go to the altar without someone wondering what’s wrong with you. People in the congregation may question your salvation. People may wonder if you’re living in sin. Needless to say, these stereotypes within the Church keep Christians from asking for prayer.

​The Church throws around the word “prayer” so much that it almost seems powerless. But that’s not true. Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons we have as His body.

The Apostle Paul writes to the church of Ephesus, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike” (Eph. 6:18-19 NLT).

If Paul needs prayer, so do we. As the body of Christ, we are called to pray for one another.

With that being said, I challenge you to begin making intercessory prayer a habit. By all means, pray for those who don’t know Jesus Christ. Reaching people with the Gospel is certainly our greatest mission. However, don’t forget to lift one another up before the Lord. As the Church, we need each other.

In another place, Paul writes, “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many” (2 Cor. 1:11 ESV).

Church, we need each other. In fact, I need you.

I want to ask you to pray for me. I currently find myself in a difficult season. I know it won’t last forever, and I know God is with me. But one of the most debilitating parts of this season is the impact my struggles are having on those around me. It’s one thing to struggle yourself, but it’s another to worry about how your struggles hurt those around you.

I’m only eighteen, and I’m not ashamed to say I’m learning. I’ll always be learning. Even when I’m eighty, I’ll be learning. But in this season of my life, God is using a lot of fertilizer! This is a season of tremendous growth and revelation in my life.

So please keep me in your prayers. And not just me. Pray for Christians everywhere. Pray for your pastors and leaders. Pray for Christian marriages and families. Pray for Christians being oppressed in other countries.

Together, we are His Church. We are His body. During this season of my life, I’m learning how important it is that we stick together. I’m learning the value of prayer.

The Bible says, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17 ESV). Let us adopt this lifestyle. We desperately need each other.

There’s power in prayer.