Another Note-One of the Best Ways to Show Love
February is quickly coming to a close. I’m not sure how the weather has been where you are, but here in Virginia, it seems like we have experienced every season in just this month alone!
It may seem like the month has just begun, but March is just around the corner. We still have a few days left to show love and encouragement purposefully. Don’t let your efforts stop at the end of the month. Hopefully, putting in the intentional effort has helped you establish a habit of demonstrating God’s love in tangible ways.
Today, I want to focus on prayer. Not our own personal prayers, but I want us to focus on praying for one another. How do love and prayer go together? I believe praying for others is one of the greatest acts of love. When we pray for one another, it means that we genuinely want God’s best for them. We pray for God to intervene in their situation. We pray for God to direct their steps and guide their feet as they walk. We pray for God to shine His light of love on their hearts. When we pray for others, it shows that we really love them.
How can we pray for one another more fruitfully and effectively?
- We can pray a variety of prayers. Pray in the Spirit and with understanding. (Ephesians 6:18)
- Persevere in prayer. (Ephesians 6:18)
- Open up space and opportunity for open, honest transparency and confession in your relationships. This way, you can be specific and strategic in your prayers. (James 5:16)
- Intercede for one another. Bring others’ petitions before the Lord on their behalf. (1 Timothy 2:1)
- Be thankful for one another and pray prayers of thanksgiving. This will help you see God’s purpose for them in your life. (1 Timothy 2:1)
- Pray (as Paul did for the Colossians) that others would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will and grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Colossians 1:9)
- Love and Pray for those who consider themselves to be your enemies. Pray for all those who mistreat you in any way (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28)
Jesus said there are no other commandments greater than to Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and then to love your neighbor as yourself. Praying for others is one of the greatest expressions of love.
It only takes a few moments to pray for someone, but those brief, powerful moments can change lives. May your heart be moved to show love by praying one for another.
Your friend in the journey,
Erica
As we focus on prayer this week, let’s not forget about our little ones. Check out the My Prayer Journal, a prayer journal for kids. Help the children you love cultivate a habit of prayer.