Are You PRAYING or PREYING??

Scripture: James 5:16 - Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Intercessory prayer is not an upfront ministry. You have been entrusted to lift others up in prayer, submitting their requests to the only wise God! We shouldn’t take it lightly when we say to someone “I’ll pray for you!” Are we actually praying for that person? Or are we preying on their emotions to make ourselves feel like the righteous Christian we portray ourselves to be? God honors the prayers of the righteous, those who are morally right. Our motives should never be determined by what we think we can get out of doing something for someone. Our emotions or personal thoughts about the person asking/needing prayer or about the situation they need prayer about should never be the reason we offer to pray or do anything for anybody. God doesn’t really need us, but He creates opportunities for us to be used by Him AND bring Him glory!

The ministry of prayer is a vital part of our spiritual lives. It connects us to God – the Ultimate Creator of EVERYTHING! The One Who chooses to pursue a personal relationship with each of us! The One Who determines what happens in our lives – good, bad or indifferent. I am always in awe of the fact that He even wants to hear from me, little disobedient me! He could be doing so many other things, tending to so many other people, but He longs to hear from me!
So let’s remember that when someone confesses to us or brings a prayer request to our attention, it’s not for form or fashion; it’s not so that we can brag or boast about praying for someone, especially when and how God chooses to answer the prayer. We should take no credit! It’s not of any goodness of our own … it’s only because of HIM, it’s all because of HIM! Let’s pray for one another so that we can be healed!!

Prayer: Father: You have made us, and You know all about us. You know our going out and our coming in. You are Sovereign!! Thank You for choosing us before the foundation of the world. Thank You for empowering us to work out our own salvation while ministering to others in need. Help us to seek You in all we do. Remind us that our selfish ambitions should not be the thought that motivates us to serve You through serving others. We are NOTHING without You! When we pray to You, help us to be mindful of just how much of a blessing it is to have direct access to Your throne! That no matter when or where we are, no matter what the situation is / circumstances are, we can call You and You hear us! We are grateful for every prayer You have answered, whether You said yes, no or wait. Thank You for the privilege of prayer, whether it be on our own behalf or on the behalf of others. In Jesus’ Name we always pray … Amen!

(by Cassaundra Turner)