Often we ask for prayer from others regarding events in lives. At the moment I rarely walk away from a conversation without asking the person to pray for and with my family regarding our future as seminary graduation is now quickly approaching. As often as we ask, you would think we are confident that the intercession of others makes a difference. Are we really, or has it just become habit for us to ask? Look at the Apostle Paul’s statement in this letter to the believers in Philippi.
“…for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:19 ).
A prisoner of the empire and awaiting trial, Paul’s confidence is in God and the intercession of his friends. His deliverance will come from God in the power of the Holy Spirit. The conduit through which Paul confidently expects this help is the prayer of his friends.
Take confidence in your friends’ prayers and pray with the same confidence. Our passage today urges us on toward engaging in the lives of others and engaging others in our lives through prayer. Yes, prayer matters!
Pat
