Prayer is the number-one-way to help any group, church, or individual. But how best to pray is the question given the many time constraints and things (important things) that pull us in every direction. How can we help? First, Read, Recognize, and Remember (memorize) the truths of Romans 8:26-28, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Read, Recognize, Remember, but please dont Repeat Romans 8:28 to a grieving and broken hearted brother (or sister). It doesnt help in that moment but God will surely use it to help them later when the grieving is past. Second, Keeping the first in mind always, we can pray for the group in general asking God to meet every need, to touch every troubled heart, to heal every wound. Asking Him to be to them their All-in-all. Asking Him to show Himself strong on the behalf of each. And asking Him to manifest Himself to each who through much sorrow cannot find a way to reach for Him. Usually when you do this, God will bring to mind specific situations and individuals that need specific prayers answered. And also when you do this you will be moved (most likely) to pray for the leadership of the church, institution, or group. Third, It helps a great deal to use a list. Its a huge blessing if you have more time to pray for individuals. You can work your way quickly through a list praying for each name briefly. Asking God to bless this one. And to help another. And to meet the needs of yet another. Again, as you work through the list, God will bring to mind specific things that need His touch. He will bring things to mind even more so than if you just pray for the group as a whole. And finally, And this is important. Get to know the people youre praying for and as you work through the list, stop on each name for several minutes (or park there for an hour and carry them around with you coming back to your list later) praying for the specific needs. Put your heart into it. Imagine if it were your sick child. Your unsaved family member. Or your debt. Imagine how youd feel (or how you felt) and put your heart and tears into it. Agonize in prayer for others. It is good to pray for the group!! Its better if you can pray for each person individually. And plan to pray. Youll never remember everyone unless you plan. One last thing, As we pray in the Spirit (that is in a right spirit) God will surely impress upon you the most urgent needs. Dont stress if you do forget someone. Someone else in the group is likely praying for them. Dont stress but rather enjoy your time with Jesus before the Father in the Spirit. I hope you find this a help. Pray on!!
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 18:16:51 +0000
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