For them and With them

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 1 Timothy 2:1

We must admit that adversity causes us to see our limitations and realize that we do need God’s Divine Intervention. During this pandemic, many believers are praying for protection and healing for their family and friends. When we can offer Intercessory prayers for others, our love for God is evidenced by the fruits of caring and compassion. The love of God allows us to see outside of ourselves and causes us to willingly bear one another’s burdens.

Yesterday was an extremely challenging day because we became aware that one of our youngest grandsons tested positive for the Coronavirus. As I listened to my husband relaying the circumstances that led to our grandson contracting the disease, he ended the story by telling our son that we would pray for his family. After offering a prayer of Repentance, we prayed a prayer of Intercession, not only for our son and his family, but for everyone.

Following the prayer, the Holy Spirit placed this thought in my mind, “Did you ask your son if you could pray with him?” I immediately asked my husband to call and ask our son if he could pray with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Following the phone call, I am happy to report that our son accepted prayer. God has used an adverse event to build a bond between father and son and opened a closed door to witness about His love and mercies. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 1 Chronicles 16:24

Many of our family and friends are distressed by the current situation. The pandemic has impacted even those who are close to us by depleting their financial resources. Have you considered that the near future may include the loss of necessities such as a place to live, enough food to feed a family, and the inability to obtain employment? Reaching out to those who are despondent and do not have a personal relationship with God is our duty to God and humanity.

We are representatives of the Most-High who can offer to pray with family and friends who are gripped with fear of the future while trying to maintain safety from an infectious disease. Making the initial phone call can include the question, “How are things going with you and the family?” When the disciples desired to send the people away, remember that Jesus fed the multitude of 5,000, Matthew 14:13-21. 

Sharing our resources helps others to bear their burdens. If you can help someone, consider purchasing a store gift card for food, gas, etc. Your commitment to assisting based on what you can do to alleviate their suffering is all that God requires. If you have little to give, then give, it is our obedience and faith that allows God to turn our little into much for the greater good and His glory. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8.

“Can I pray with you?” We can have the desire to pray with others, but first, we must obtain their permission and respect their answer, which may be “No or Not now.” We should not take offense if a negative response is received; give back a simple response, “I will continue to pray for you and your family…and I will also mail your gift card. With our finite minds, it is easy for us to become sidetracked. How many people rejected Jesus as the Son of God? Yet His heart was still full of love and compassion as he miraculously healed their sicknesses and provided for their well-being.

Yes, continue to always pray for others. Even so, we must extend ourselves to offer to pray with others. Parents pray with your children regardless of their age, siblings pray with each other, reach out to your friends, the list is endless

You may be surprised by the number of people who accept a compassionate prayer that gives hope in their time of need. Love God, Love Others, Love Yourself!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation. Psalm 91:14-16

Bible Reading: Psalm 91

God, we are asking you to hear our prayer and to see us through our present circumstances. We have nowhere to turn but to you. Please give us the holy boldness to seek out those who are spiritually dying and to encourage them. We ask for forgiveness for ignoring that we are our brother’s keeper. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.