Sometimes we want people around us for reasons pertaining to ourselves. We want people to keep us company, to entertain us, or to provide for us a sense of belonging, or significance. But these are all self-centered reasons.
Scripture says that we are to watch out for others and diligently pray for them. Ephesians 6:10-18, says that we are to put on the whole armor of God, and to pray with all supplications for the people of God.
When we take the posture that we have a job to do for others, then we won’t be focused on ourselves.
However, when we reach out to God on behalf of others, we also will benefit from the results because the blessings come back to us as well. Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters, will himself be watered,” (ESV). The Berean Study Bible says, “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
When we operate according to the direction of scripture, such as Ephesians 6:10, “. . . be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might,” we can fulfill this instruction found in verse 18 that says we are to be “. . . praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
So take a moment right now, and give thanks to God for the people you know who are in your life, and then ask God to bless them and cover them, and to guide them and provide for them in every way. Ask the Lord to strengthen them in their resolve to follow Him, to give them wisdom in their decisions, and peace in their hearts and minds, and to manifest His amazing love to them by showing compassion to them, and by granting them His everlasting mercies.
When we bring the names of the ones we know before the Lord in prayer, we intercede on their behalf. The Lord will hear us and He will grant to them His tender mercies, and deliver them from evil, provide a way of escape for them from the enemy’s schemes, give them the warmth of His love, the peace of His presence, and an added measure of grace for whatever they are facing; and ultimately provide for them victorious Christian living, so that both they and we can be more than conquerors through Christ Jesus, and overcomers through His abiding presence!
Article Written by: Debbie Harper, Ph.D.
