“Morning Paul – praying for you today as you carry the burden of all the churches under your care …”
That was the text I received yesterday morning from one of my ministers. It was unexpected but not only was I immediately encouraged I understood that the ancient practice of praying for each other had not lost its power.
In these closing remarks the author is asking for prayer. They have looked back to their ancient heroes of their faith, leaders in their past but they are being pointed to their present generation of leaders who need prayer.
“Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honourably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.” (Hebrews 13: 18-19)
How many times do you say or have it said to you, “I’ll pray for you”? We all know that it is either a) often used out of a sense of care and because we love that person; b) it is focused on getting the person out of the situation, we want them to be healed immediately, we don’t want them to suffer or c) it means nothing!
“Pray for us” is the request.
- There is a belief that prayer works.
When a person goes on being filled with the Spirit of God in their lives that God who is actually Spirit, Breath, like a Wind, resides in Christ followers. It is then when prayer (which is simply a conversation with God) becomes not only understandable but believable. That prayer does work. Prayer impacts our world. For God is here.
- There is a specific request.
There seems to be some constraint upon this leader. They want to be restored soon. Simply meaning they want to return. Every Tuesday morning a Pastor calls me asking for any prayer requests. What a lovely thing to do? Never be afraid to ask. But if you are a leader never be afraid to ask for specific prayer either.
- It is in the context of faithfulness.
Not every leader is wholesome, healthy and safe. There are a few rotten apples. But the majority are and most probably your leader can say, “we have a clear conscience and desire to live honourably in every way.” The leader was saying ‘I am trying my best’. That’s all we can ask for isn’t it?
Missions Paul 