“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
(Philippians 1:9-11)
I sometimes wonder if anyone has ever prayed for me in my lifetime. I imagine someone did say a prayer for me to stay out of trouble or make good choices. Perhaps they stood over my bed at night when they were concerned about my high fever or restless sleep. Yes, of course, these things happened. But I didn’t witness them nor was I an active part of being prayed for.
It was not until I was an adult that someone reached out for my hand and said, “Let me pray for you.”
It was a neighbor who talked a lot about Jesus. She lived across the street for a short period of time – they were missionaries awaiting a move to Vietnam. She and her husband were moving their young family, as they were sure of God’s call, a phrase I didn’t quite understand.
And pray she did.
We were standing in the driveway as her three and my four kids whirled around us on their ride-on toys. I don’t remember what she said but she prayed in a simple way as if God was standing with us and she was speaking with him.
Over thirty years later, all I can remember from that was a holy moment. Sacred. It was the first time I heard a prayer specifically for me and about me.
Who in your group has never experienced being called by name in prayer? Who in your group craves being known by God through prayer but for whatever reason, may see prayer as an obstacle?
As you prepare for the core value of PRAY this week, ask God to give you a glimpse of what is needed in your group around the lesson on prayer. Pray for bold vision as you lift up each person to God this week. Talking about prayer isn’t enough but experiencing God through the power of prayer is unforgettable.
May your group enter a sacred moment this week as you encounter the living God who wants more for those around you than you can ever imagine.
