“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” 1 Timothy 2:1.

We all suffer like afflictions in this life. That means that we’re all going through something. Psalm 34:19 states: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”  It is with a pure heart for God and our fellow man that we come boldly before the throne of grace… giving Him the glory for His goodness and asking His grace, mercy, and strength over the lives of others.

What a blessing it is to hear the praise reports of God’s amazing grace working in the lives of those experiencing difficult or debilitating circumstances. On one occasion my heart was overwhelmed when reading a Facebook post from a young mother of five battling cancer, our prayer group had been faithfully lifting her before God for quite some time…and here she was sharing her story with such faith and assurance!

The specifics of her physical condition may not have changed significantly, but praise God, I could read the strength, praise, and hope in God that she clung too. She was ultimately admonishing someone else out in this world to hold on to God’s faithfulness to deliver!

What a testimony when you can go through life most difficult and debilitating circumstances, and yet continue to be a faithful witness to God’s goodness and sustaining power in the midst of it all.

That blessed my heart! That is what we do when we pray to God for others…we seek Him for His will to be done to heal, strengthen and deliver in their individual circumstances; and He faithfully answers in His own time and way- providing immeasurable comfort, strength, and peace for them to persevere and witness through the trials and tribulations of this life.

There are times when we find it difficult to explain how God miraculously gives us all the strength that we need to go on when our back is up against the wall, and the odds seems stacked against us…but the Apostle Paul gives us the answer…and it is call God’s grace! “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

God is our hope and guiding light for every tomorrow- let us continue in prayer, for It is a divine privilege and our Christian duty to pray for others. Praise be to God that “Our Father” answers the prayers of His beloved children. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16.

So, stay steadfast in prayer for others, remaining vigilant and committed to the call – and know that there’s power in prayer…and God has someone faithfully praying for you too! Timothy admonishes us with these words “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” 1 Timothy 2:1.

I am reminded of the hymn written so long ago by Charles Wesley taking note of the 2nd stanza:

A charge to keep I have…

To serve the present age,

My calling to fulfill:

Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage

To do my Master’s will!