I couldn’t help but share this short reminder concerning our promise to pray for others. How often have you left Sunday morning worship with another promise to pray for someone? And how often have you failed to do so?

The first reason we fail to pray for one another is maybe we don’t have a deep affection for the brotherhood. The second reason could be that we don’t have an active prayer life. Sometimes we just forget. Whatever the reason, ask God to help you correct this issue. I had the problem some time ago, but I heard a sermon and read scriptures that changed my life. It’s not that I never prayed. I did pray. All the time. I was just slack in keeping my promise to pray for someone who specifically asked me to do so. Many of us have this issue. But since that sermon I heard years ago, I’ve learned so much about prayer and how it effects God.

Below are (1) scriptures I refer to time and time again that remind me of how effective prayers are to God and to the brotherhood; and (2) a blog that I read by Michael Morrison on the Ruby for Women website that generated this writing.

(1) Scripture readings:

I Samuel 12:22-24
“For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way. Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. . .”

Romans 1:9
“God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you . . .”

Colossians 1:9
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, . . .”

Revelation 8:3-5
“Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.”

Revelation 5:8
“When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” (Revelation 5:8)

(2) http://rubyforwomen.com/2015/01/person-prayer-michael-morrison/

If you have promised to speak to God for someone, please understand that what you are about to do is send a sweet-smelling aroma to God on behalf of your sisters and brothers. Imagine the angels holding a bowl of incense of your prayers before the alter. What greater gift can you give your sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus?  I have never seen greater joy than that of a brother or sister who has been told prayers went up to God on their behalf.  When they look into your eyes and see truth, relief comes over them, soothes them into a warm peace.  Love binds them together–tighter with Christ, and then with you.

Give a brother and sister spiritual relief today by praying for them.  In return you will experience an indescribable joy . . .  a joy, that in spite of your circumstances, leaves you smiling all day long.  Experience the joy of Christ by praying one for another.

To God be the Glory!  Forever!!

Donna B. Comeaux
Freelance Writer, Poet, Novelist