Pray Continually

 

     Never underestimate the power of prayer in alleviating burdens. Prayer moves the hands that move the world. Giving everything to Jesus in prayer brings us a sense of relief and peace. Jesus loves it when we communicate with Him and ask Him to intercede in our lives and in the lives of others. Lift it all up in prayer, even before stepping out to help.

     The Holy Spirit will begin His work in the lives of those for whom we pray. Almost 20 years ago, the inside of our home was destroyed by the smoke from a fire in our lower level. It was devastating. We lost many of our material possessions and were out of our home for 7 months as it was rebuilt.

     Our daughters were young teenagers at the time. You can try to imagine starting over with new clothes, the decision we made in rebuilding our house from bare studs and the impossibility of going through the inventory of all we lost to give long, endless lists to our insurance company. Each item brought a fresh sense of grief and loss.

     Our pastors came by as we sat at our neighbors home immediately after the firefighters left, and one of them stood in our smoke-filled home with our family and prayed. Our church family prayed as well as our friends, each spreading the word. We had church communities all over the country praying for us. The fellowship of believers moves mountains.

     I physically, emotionally and spiritually felt the power of those prayers. I had not, and have not since that time, experienced anything quite like it. Strength was poured into me and the overwhelming sense of love was felt by all of us.

     When sharing the burdens of others, pray. Pray first, pray last and pray consistently. God’s hand is available to do His work. Pray at all times, in every situation.

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Do that and stay alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

     Our Father in heaven is there, ready to give us peace in the midst of the storm.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet and He brought them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:28-30

     Ask for prayer. Pray for yourselves, your family, your friends and for all who are burdened. Believe He will calm the storm, lifting your burdens as He carries you out. Pray!

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Father,

The power of our prayers is real. You stand ready to listen and to work. Remind us to pray continually as we share in the burdens of life.

In Jesus name,

Amen