THE MYSTERY OF YOUR MINISTRY

THE MYSTERY OF YOUR MINISTRY

by Bob VerBurg

In the fall of 2017, the pastors at Hillside preached a series called the “The One Anothers” and one of the messages was “Pray for One Another.” In that message were five things that prayer does.  Next, were several reasons to pray for one another.  Finally, a considered inquiry why we need to tell other people we are praying for them.

What about those words, “I’m praying for you”?  What exactly do those words accomplish?  One of the points in the sermon is there is a bit of mystery to those words, but it must be important because the Bible instructs to use those words. 

Those words bring encouragement which is another “one another”: encourage one another.  Second, it also helps us carry one another’s burdens.  Third it helps us accept one another and finally, love one another.

What is a great way to use those words, “I’m praying for you”?  A card of encouragement.  For the person to receive a card in the mail reminds that person that you took the time to buy, address, and mail those words.  And by doing that, you obviously had that person specifically in your mind and in your prayers.

So, what exactly do you pray for?  Ask that person with the words, “What do you need me to pray for?”  Those words and that question brings an unbelievable bond of Christian love; the same bond God instructs you to build with others.

When you use those words, “I’m praying for you”, there is an effect on the person who hears those words.  When you say those words to a Christian, that person is reminded they are not in their struggle alone.  They are reminded that other Christians are  in their battle with them and that brings encouragement and strength and peace.