the power of simply praying for people

In July our family pointed the old Grand Caravan toward Warm Springs, GA, and our third time at this Joni and Friends Family Retreat and fifth JAF retreat overall. We noted, but didn't take a photo, of the van passing up the 150,000 mile marker on the odometer. Despite age and scarred beauty, the old car handled Monteagle Pass in Tennessee with ease, plus every other mountain climb, and didn't even flinch in the 96 degree heat with high humidity. We did add some oil!

For the third year I served as Retreat Pastor, speaking daily to the adults and helping provide an overall theme for the week. Under the thematic banner of Amazin' Adventure: In Search of the Saviour, I took up the theme verses from Jeremiah 29, plus additional messages of Christ the Treasure, Christ the Light of the World, and God's resources for Living in the Light. My wife and two of my daughters also served, while my eldest daughter enjoyed the fellowship with so many friends and peers in the world of disability.

Also for the third year, Christa and I provided time daily for prayer ministry. An individual or couple could sign up for a time slot, and we would meet with them, listen, and pray. My point with this post is to remind you of the significant power of simply praying for people. By 'power' I don't mean power in the signs and wonders sense (though neither am I discounting that he is able to do amazing things). I mean it in the sense of the incredible impact and joy when we pray with people in need. This kind of prayer is often neglected: all too often we think of it as a clergyman's duty. Ridiculous! God has given to believers the privilege of coming to his throne of grace. All believers, not just pastors. And when we bring people in need before that throne, there is mercy and grace for their need, and there is delight in the love unleashed in doing so. Praying for folks who are hurting is a very practical means of showing the love of Christ. It is in the very doing a testimony of our faith in Christ and confidence in God's grace and help. Here is a very simple acronym I have often used to train Christians to pray for someone in need. I call it H*A*B*I*T prayer, as in "make it a habit to pray for others around you."

H -- Honor God. Begin with a simple sentence or two of praise and adortation to God for His glory. Thank him for saving you through the cross of Jesus Christ, and giving you the amazing privilege of entering his throne room to pray.

A -- Ask specifically. Bring the person's need to the throne of grace. It is critical that you listen carefully to what the person has said, so that you can pray for them specifically rather than generally. It is disappointing to pour your heart out to someone, then have them pray as if they didn't hear a single word you said.

B -- Bless. Ask God to bless them in ways other than just the specific item prayed earlier. If the person is not a Christian, pray for their spiritual life and awakening to God's grace through Jesus Christ. If you know them well and other aspects of their life, ask God's blessing. "Lord, I ask your blessing on Ted's wife and children as well. Give him wisdom in his business...etc." If you do not know them, simply ask God to pour his blessing into every aspect of life, especially their spiritual life in Jesus Christ.

I -- In Jesus' name. We come to God in prayer only because of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for us, and opened the way for us into the Holy of holies.

T -- Touch as appropriate. If it is appropriate, take the person's hand when you pray for them, or put a hand on their shoulder, whatever seems appropriate to the situation. Take care with this. We should be neither inappropriately "touchy feely" nor cold and "hands off" as if we might catch something.

More could be said on each of these. But that can be at another time. My point today is to ask you, "Do you seize on the opportunities God gives you to pray for those in need who surround you every day?" If you don't, you are missing out on a golden opportunity to communicate with God and communicate to others the love of God.

This year at Joni and Friends Retreat, we heard again reports of answered prayer from last year's prayer ministry. Praise God. He hears and answers prayer. We serve a risen Saviour.