May Newsletter Editorial

It's probably not a new thing to you to realize the importance of God's people praying for one another. In fact, it is a thing of beauty to think of one believer sincerely bringing another believer before the throne of grace in prayer. Paul frequently mentioned in his epistles that he prayed regularly for God's people. While we know this is true, it may be hard for some to feel much success in actually doing it. One reason is, we might ask, "What should I pray for?" Although saying, "Father, bless this person and please bless that person" is better than nothing, it is useful to have specific Scriptural priorities in mind when praying. Many, many examples could be cited, but I will just select a few to highlight here:

1. To see the glory of Christ by faith, and to have close fellowship with Him. There is a hymn that is titled, "More About Jesus", which is kind of a prayer-wish where some great specifics are stated, like "more of His saving fulness see, more of His love who died for me" and "more about Jesus on His throne, riches in glory all His own..." These are prayers to go deeper in our knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ. John the Apostle spoke about receiving blessings from the "fullness of Jesus Christ" (John 1:16), Peter exhorted his readers to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18) and Paul personally wished for himself, "that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings" (Philippians 3:10). Paul also spoke to the Ephesians about "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph. 3:8). All of this has to be grasped, of course, by faith. It is a spiritual thing, a mind and heart equipped by the Holy Spirit to partake of this treasure. The more this request is fulfilled in our lives, then everything spiritually will improve. We will be better worshippers of God, be more turned off by sin, more kind and gracious to others, and more focused on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

2. To be empowered and equipped for specific roles and callings and situations. All believers are called to serve God and follow Christ. But, there are also specific roles and callings. A mother and father need special grace to love, teach, discipline and lead their children thru this life. College students have particular needs, burdens and challenges in their environment. Older saints needs particular strength and faith and patience in this stage of their lives. Pastors have a huge calling and responsibility to lead and feed the church of God. Deacons are called to a high and spiritual standard in their service to the church. Single believers have a unique opportunity to further the kingdom in their singlehood. Husbands and wives are not just to exist together, but to actually glorify God in their covenant relationship. There are "outside-the-church-building" callings that are just as important, such as our faithfulness and diligence in employment where we need God's blessing. To think that God has actually called us to serve Him is an incredible privilege and responsibility. This should definitely be on our prayer list for ourselves and one another.

3. For specific suffering and challenging circumstances. These are the prayer requests we usually hear publicly. A grieving family, an illness or a lost job. What comfort we draw in knowing that God cares deeply for these circumstances and has a wise and sovereign purpose in them. He commands us to throw these burdens on Him (I Pet. 5:7). As we pray that God would bring healing, provide the job and administer comfort, there is something else we should pray: that God would be glorified in these situations. I have said from the pulpit, "When I am sick or suffering, please pray I will have relief, because I don't like pain. But also pray that I will glorify God in the midst of it." I am not minimizing praying for healing and deliverance from painful circumstances. Paul himself prayed to be delivered from wicked enemies. However, we miss something if we are just praying for an end to suffering. God has a purpose in our sufferings and we are called to praise and trust Him even when it's hard. And we have to have God's blessing to be able to do that!