by Lt. Colonel Paul Smith
Assistant Chief Secretary
Do you recall the people who have prayed for you throughout your life? It could be an extensive list: parents, family, corps or church members, friends, officers, pastors, teachers, mentors. Maybe they prayed for your protection, healing, direction, or salvation.
I am encouraged when someone says: “I’m praying for you.” Whether during a conversation or expressed in a card, I am thankful to know someone is praying for me. And it is amazing how many times that message has come at just the right time, when I have been going through a difficult situation or facing a tough decision. What is even more incredible is how repeatedly God has provided the strength, guidance and wisdom which I needed.
One of my favorite images the Apostle Paul uses to describe Christians is the body (1 Cor. 12:12-31). As a member of the Body of Christ, we are connected, interdependent, and because of this we influence, support, impact and, yes, encourage one another. One important way we can encourage each other is by prayer. That, of course, is known as intercessory prayer. Studies have shown those in a hospital who have someone praying for them do better—even if they don’t know someone is praying for them! We pray for others because we believe God answers prayer and that there is power in prayer.
The Bible has many examples of intercessory prayer. Moses prayed for water, food and forgiveness for the Israelites. Elijah prayed the widow’s son would live again. Daniel and Ezra prayed for God’s mercy on behalf of their people’s sin. Jesus’ prayer recorded in John 17 includes praying for His disciples and those who would believe because of their ministry, leading to us.
But I really love Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (3:14-21). I can imagine how encouraged they were when this letter shared that their “spiritual father,” though physically separated from them, continued to pray that the Holy Spirit would fill them, providing the strength, power and love—passing all understanding— they needed to live holy lives in Ephesus.
There are people throughout the territory who are facing challenges or who are seeking God’s grace or guidance. As followers of Christ, we have the awesome privilege to listen to our sister or brother and then lift their needs to our Heavenly Father. As we are faithful in supporting other members of the Body of Christ by praying in faith, we are “loving our neighbors as ourselves.” And they may find you praying for them as encouraging as I do when I learn someone is praying for me. I assure you I will continue to pray for you because I believe in the power of prayer.
