Sharing and praying for one another, and the quality of
these is crucial. What do you share? How do you pray?
Sharing: In the name of "openness and honesty"
too often we share our sins without guilt or repentance:
"I'm so worried about my job" (Php. 4:6: "Do not be anxious about
anything");
"My schedule's driving me crazy" (Mt. 11:28: "Come unto Me... and rest,"
which includes obedience to get out of the rat race)....
And then we pray soothing, feel-good prayers ("Lord, give him peace;" "Lord,
help her get her stuff done") -- and everybody goes away unchanged.
God teaches gutsy love: "Correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and
careful instruction" (2 Ti. 4:2).
This takes much prayer -- before, after, and during!
"I just couldn't get to quiet times this week...." Which is your response: "Oh, I'm
so sorry! I'll pray for you next week" or "Well, we're all just human..."?
When the Spirit writes "Live in peace with each other" He's not saying, "Be
wimpy, it's okay." His next sentence is, "Warn those who are idle; encourage the timid;
help the weak; be patient with everyone" (2 Th. 5:13,14).
And Paul writes in Colossians 1:28, "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching
everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."
Hate sin! Love Christ and each other!
PRAYER (Write it down to the Lord.)
1. Adoration. Try not to use the word "thank." To adore the Lord is to
admire Him, to tell Him how wonderful He is in as many ways as you
can think of.
2. Confession. (Cup your hand over your paper so your neighbor can't
see!) Be specific. Be repentant.
3. Thanksgiving. I John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness"! Thank Him! And for so many other specific
blessings in your life.
4. Supplication. This means strong asking! Be bold; be specific; ask for
something measurable that would bring Him glory.