Praying for Others

Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I would sin against Jehovah by ceasing to pray for you, 1 Samuel 12:23a

In our Life-study pursuit on 1 Samuel today morning, the Lord impressed me so much with the person and being of Samuel. His reminder to the children of Israel expressed who he was and what purity of heart he had towards them and how he was one with God in His move on the earth at that time. And as for him, he declared that it would be a sin against God if he did not pray for them. What a statement!

It is a sin indeed as Christian brother, not to pray and be concerned for my fellow Christian brethren. Praying for self is not enough, nor merely for matters or things. But one must pray for one another as well. Not to pray for one another is a sin. Not only that prayerlessness is a sin, but even praying only for self interest and not for fellows members in the Body is also a sin. Therefore, as Christians, we must pray for one another; the more the better.

By the Lord's mercy, as I and my wife, and also with our children have been praying every day, I could witness the answers of all these prayers one by one. Two very significant answers are the recovery and revival of the my brother who now enjoys the Lord and actively participates in the gospel move. Besides, I was even informed that his wife also is enjoying and practically participating in the church life. This to me personally is a great blessing. Few years ago I had been weeping and groaning for him and his family, many time with sleepless nights and heart broken, leaving the matter to the Lord. And now few years later, to hear of them enjoying the Lord and even participating in the Lord's move, and further that he has been very useful in the Lord's move is a heart full of joy to the Lord. 

The second significant answer was the glad tidings of the conception of my sister in law. We have been praying for them since the time I got married to my wife. And most recently, we prayed for the Lord to bless them with a baby, as there are some health and age issues involved. But we looked to the Lord and just offered simple prayer in faith day by day. When I was informed of the good news, my innate reaction was "praise the Lord" for He cares. Further, I have a strong faith that this will be a definite new beginning in their lives, spiritually and otherwise; the all-inclusive recovery.

These are just the beginning of the witnessing of the effectiveness of praying for one another. Besides, we are still praying for many others too. The Lord will manifest the answers one by one.

Lord, be my faithfulness to pray for others. And may I not commit a sin of not praying for others.