COLOSSIANS 1:3

“We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,”

How many times have you told someone, “I will pray for you,” or “I’ll remember you in my prayers”? Then you go home and totally forget all about it. I have learned when I am asked to pray for someone to do it right then, either out loud with the person or in my heart. I know how forgetful I am. I will forget who it was or what it was I was praying for. It doesn’t take much time. And if you do it right then, that person knows you take prayer seriously.

Paul tells his fellow believers in Colossae that he is “praying always” for them. I bet that was not the first time Paul had told them that. They knew Paul was a man of prayer. They knew Paul had modeled prayer for others to them. They could trust this statement and knew he was praying for them, even while he was in prison (his first imprisonment).

APPLICATION

How do you model this for others? Well, I told you what I do, but you may choose another way. You may want to make a note in your phone or in a journal. I do both of these, as well. I meet with different men’s groups and keep a list of prayer requests. Then when I am having my daily prayer time, I can pull these out and pray for them by name.

Let me encourage you to do that – pray for them by name. Generic prayers are good. All prayers are good, but when you call that person’s name and intercede for them, you are being specific in your prayers. We are told in Philippians to present our prayers and petitions before the Lord (Phil. 4:6-7). That Greek for “petitions” is used to describe prayers that are specific and fervent, often in the context of seeking divine intervention or assistance.

Don’t be shy about your prayers. God can handle all you give Him. In fact, He is waiting for them. He wants to hear them. He wants to answer them. By praying for others, you are building your own faith in prayer. Intercede for others as often as you can and watch the God of the universe work in and through you.

Father, I know You hear my prayers for others. Answer according to Your perfect will.