Praying for people

We are quick to say we will pray for someone or something but do we truly pray? I know I'm guilty of telling someone I will say a prayer and then forgetting about it.  I'm sure I have asked others to pray for me and they forgot. It's fine right?

Prayer is a powerful tool. In the book of Ephesians,  Paul is praying for the people of Ephesus.  These people had lived sinful lives and believed themselves dirty and unworthy. Paul tells them ever since he heard of their faith he has been praying for them. Paul had a past and he is speaking to the people not as a righteous and blameless person but as a person who was a sinner.

Paul tells the people that he is less than the least of all the Lord's people yet he was given the gift of God's grace. Then he prays that God strengthen the people and that they understand the true depth of God's love.

Paul didn't go to the Ephesians and tell them he was a messenger of God and give them a thus sayeth the Lord word. No he spoke to them as a sinner. He spoke to them as a man who understood pain and loss and heartache. He shared his testimony and then he prayed. He didn't pray that God would touch them and heal them and forgive them,  no he prayed for God to strengthen them and show them his love, he prayed they be given the opportunity to truly know God intimately. 

When we pray, often times it is for a specific action, healing, finances, restoration,  deliverance,  salvation.  How often do we pray for God to strengthen and  empower someone, not just to get through a battle but in their walk? How often do we pray for someone to grow in their walk? To get closer to God and to know Him intimately? 

More than all of that, when was the last time you prayed on your own behalf? Prayed not for a specific season or circumstance, just for your walk and relationship with God? When did you last seek God just to be in His presence? Not to ask for something or even to thank Him, but just to rest in Him?

Prayer is a very powerful tool, stop misusing it. I urge you to get into prayer right now. Forget the world around you for a few minutes and just get with God.  Love on Him and rest in Him.

Father God I thank you for being with me today and always. I love you. Thank you for your love and mercy.  Thank you for your grace. You are amazing Lord and I pray right now that you just shower your people with your sweet presence. Love on them like only you can Father. In Jesus' glorious name, amen.

Its okay to smile when you pray soldiers :)