TODAY’S READING: Ephesians 1:15-16
KEY VERSE:
" I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers"
EPH 1:16
Robert Murray McCheyne once wrote, “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me!”. McCheyne was right for Romans 8:34 clearly reminds us, “for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honour at God’s right hand, pleading for us” (NLT). Now that is very reassuring for everyone who belongs to Christ Jesus!
Paul followed in the example of Christ. He tells the Ephesian church, “I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly” (v16 NLT). In the early church, it must have been a blessing to know that someone like Paul the apostle was praying for you and having the confidence that his prayers went beyond occasional arrow prayers.
It is so encouraging when you realise that others are praying with and for you. Receiving a phone call, e-mail or text message from a fellow believer, sharing what they are praying and perhaps what they believe God may be saying over you is one of the sweet joys of Christian fellowship.
There is a well-known sentiment that goes something like this, “If you want to have a friend, be a friend!”. Sounds like good advice! Take the first steps. Selflessly, reach out with kindness, generosity and joy. In the same vein, perhaps now is the time to step-up prayer for others. Follow in the example of Christ Jesus and His apostle, Paul. Cover others in prayer. Like Jesus, plead for the well-being of fellow believers. Like Paul, continuously give thanks for the church and the body of Christ at large. Become a source of encouragement, comfort and strength through prayer in your Christian community.
Who are you praying for today?
ACTION STEPS
• Read Ephesians 1:15-16
• Ask the Lord to show you who you should be praying for specifically in this season.
• Connect with those you are praying for and, like Paul, encourage them by letting them know of your fervent and faithful on-going prayers.