Prayer and Encouragement: The Two Punch Combination
I was recently going through a difficult patch and asked my church to pray for me. A few days later, I received a card from a Sister in Christ. She was letting me know that she was praying for me. She encouraged me to remain faithful and trust in the Lord. It was so meaningful to me that she was in prayer for me, and it was significant that she took the time to encourage me to remain strong. It started me thinking about the importance of encouragement. Both the giving of it – and the receiving of it. Encouragement can be defined as the ‘action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.’
There are several passages in the Bible expounding on the importance of praying for others:
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. [James 5:16 KJV]
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you [Matthew 5:44 KJV]
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men [I Timothy 2:1 KJV]
It is important that we pray for one another. It is also important that we let people know that we are thinking about them (i.e., encouragement). That we give others support, confidence and hope.
As we continue to pray for one another, let’s also encourage (edify) each other along this Christian walk. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” [I Thessalonians 5:11 KJV]
Blessings.- The Worthiness Company
“As followers of Jesus, we are called to be encouragers. Our words and actions should benefit, help, uplift, inspire, affirm, and motivate others in their faith.” – Unknown