Blessed by the Prayers of Other Christians

Every once in a while a Christian is surprised by an unexpected act of grace and faith in on our behalf. This happened to me on Tuesday, August 8, in of all places the parking lot at the Palmer 3 Bears. I was leaving the store with a small bag of groceries when I saw Stan Guthrie, the owner Stan’s Country Cutts where I have gone for the last few years to have in order for them to cut the little hair left on my head. Stan is an active Christian in our community, whom I consider a friend.

As we saw each other Stan reached out to shake my hand. I stopped him. I have been ill with some form of stomach flu for 5 days and I did not want to pass the disease on by shaking Stan’s hand. I explained my symptoms and he shared a similar affliction he suffered earlier this year. As we conversed, Stan offered, “I’ll pray for you. I’ll put you on my prayer chain.” I believe him.

I have shared previously in my devotional writings that I keep an active prayer list. My list changes as people I know and care about have joys and trials in their lives. I believe the Lord hears each prayer. I further believe the Lord answers all prayers in wisdom and in love. I often contact those for whom I’m praying to see how they are doing, to see how God is responding to our prayers. In addition, I know that people pray for me. But, sometimes the gift of the prayers of others is a pleasant surprise. Just imagine how God answers!

Our greatest gift in this world is God’s gracious love and mercy given in the life and death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. But God also gives love, encouragement, and help for our lives and for our faith through fellow believers. One of those great helps is found in the prayers of other Christians. Consider, please, the words of God through St. Paul as God prepares us for the spiritual battles of life. “12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. . . .17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 10:12-13, 17-18)

Life has always been a journey of trials and suffering. There are spiritual battles as well as the struggles of life. And, in recent years, our world has been turning more and more away from our Lord, and away from His guidance for life. We need help! Jesus has defeated the devil. God helps us in this life. He gives other Christians to walk beside us, and to pray for us.

Who are you praying for? Who is praying for you?