I have met with my small group of sisters in Christ almost weekly for five years. Prayer unites us in the struggle.
Our group is small, but we always have much to discuss as we look into God’s Word, share questions and insights about what the Lord has to say, and look for how we can apply it to our lives. Our prayer concerns for each other grow, especially as we age into our late 60s and early 70s. Additionally, our desires for those we love and with whom we are acquainted lengthens the list.
Bringing these loved ones to our heavenly Father’s feet in prayer is an honor. But sometimes the list feels so heavy and beyond our strength to carry. Seeing that Paul described it as a struggle resonates with me. When his fellow believers prayed for him, they, in essence, joined him in that struggle.
Whenever I think I can’t do anything to help someone in their trials, or I’m tempted to meddle, I’m reminded that bringing their concerns to our Father God is how I figuratively connect in the struggle with them. Dropping to my knees isn’t necessary. Worries and concerns whispered from the heart and directed to the Lord carry as much weight in the fight as loud lamentations and discourse shouted from a rooftop or pulpit. It’s the kneeling of my heart that is the true posture.
We cannot jump into other people’s lives or manipulate circumstances for them, but when we pray for them, we join in their struggle. Our prayers for them are part of the fight. It is a duty and an honor to do so when initiated by the love given to us by the Holy Spirit.
Think about how you can join others through prayer in their struggles.
Anita van der Elst finds joy in creating with words, believing God gifted her with the desire to do so. Married to her best friend, Edward, since 1976, she is a proud mom of four adult children and Oma to three of the most delightful grandchildren ever. Other joys in her life include bringing beauty to Facebook through photos she takes on her iPhone, exploring the state parks in the PNW, facilitating a small group of women, and participating in a Bible study.
I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are a grandparent or just want to hear grandparent stories, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.
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