OCT 2, 2020

Wouldn't we feel better when someone comforts us or says a word of encouragement when we go through trials or sickness? However, God's presence in us may give us peace during difficult times.

When someone is in distress, sickness or in trouble, a person's visit or comforting them with words might not always bring an immense impact on the person. However, at times they might ask us to pray for them. When our hands are bound, and we are helpless, only with prayers can we comfort them. In this way, we can share their burden and love them.

Praying for our fellow brother/sister is essential, especially for people who are persecuted because most of the time, we cannot go there and help them, but prayer can make a great difference in their lives.

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 says:

Verse 9: Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
Verse 10: He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.

Verse 11: as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Here Paul is indicating when no one can help them physically, they have helped Paul to come out from the situation with prayer ( verse 11).

God moves through our prayers to accomplish great things in the lives of His people. One of the best ways to love others is to pray for them because through our prayers we open the door to help others and God will provide for them. When we pray for others, we love them in His strength. There's none greater or more loving than our Heavenly Father.

With prayer, we can assure God that we are dependent on Him. But when we pray we should pray according to His guidance. If we pray according to His way, He is there to lead and help us and others, and through this way, we can be part of the ministry. The best way of prayer is the Lord's prayer. In His prayer He has taught us how to pray. If you notice the prayer, only 2 things are for us ( Mathew 6:11,12) rest are for others.

When we look at an instance from the Bible, we can see how the Church prayed fervently for Peter when he was bound in prison. It is very important to pray for our fellow believers as it makes a huge difference. God knows our needs before we pray. So it is better to pray for others, by which we can truly love them.

Galatians 6:2

Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ

As I have loved you, love one another - John 13:34