For our Scripture Sunday….I would like to share a few words regarding the praying for others.
…. “you are helping us by praying for us” 2 Corinthians 1:11
Did you know that in 1806, a young college student at Williams College named Samuel Mills, sparked the American foreign missions movement?
You see, It was because of bad weather, that a group of college friends who had gathered out of doors to pray for foreign missions, were forced to seek shelter from a thunderstorm in a haystack.
They had decided to gather together to pray for missions, particularly foreign missions, and after that stormy day, they made a decision to gather weekly and named their gathering the Haystack Prayer Meeting. There is a monument at the college commemorating this beginning as a reminder of how God answered the prayers of a few young people.
I like to think of another verse.. Matthew 18:20 which says: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”
As we pray for others together, we’re standing alongside those who are carrying heavy burdens and together we are working hard to lift this burden. Imagine our joy and encouragement when we are able to see a weight lifted!
The verse in 2 Corinthians 1:11 continues: “Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety”
Yay!
It is true we should pray privately in our own special place, but we should also pray together because it is pleasing to God. He is delighted when as a group, we go to the throne of grace with a common request.
You and I know there are many who need our prayers today.
As God empowers us, let’s pray together for them so that we can also rejoice in God’s goodness together.
Please comment, I'd love to hear from you.