Articles
The Church Bulletin
“THE CHURCH BULLETIN”
Every week we publish a list of names of people in our “News & Notes” who are in need of prayers. Most of these people are sick, battling a serious disease, shut in and unable to leave their homes. Some may be in nursing facilities, and others may be facing serious surgeries or important tests about their health. Some may be in need of prayers of encouragement as they struggle with difficult times in their lives. Sometimes the prayer list can be quite long. Some members are on the list for several months. Sadly, we become so accustomed to seeing the same names on the list week after week that we don’t give them much thought. Even worse, we may not look at the list at all. Some members never pick up a “News & Notes” and never are aware of their brethren needing prayers. The early Christians were constantly praying for each other, meeting together in groups to pray for God’s help, and praying individually for the welfare of their brethren.
As New Testament Christians we are instructed to pray and pray often. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus instructs us to pray to our Father in Heaven. We are to thank Him for our blessings in life in Colossians 4:2. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us to come boldly before God with our requests. James 4:10 instructs us to have an attitude of humility when we pray. Christians are to pray for each other. We are to pray for the sick and the unfortunate. “The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:15-16)
What a great privilege it is to be able to go to God and pray on another’s behalf. Prayer is not always about ourselves or our families but is about showing love and concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ. I have no doubt that the prayers of Christians for those who are struggling have helped many. So, who have you prayed for recently? Remember that our prayers must be constant and consistent. Let us “pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17)
Written by Larry Schneider
