A dear friend of mine told me today, "Glen, I pray for you every morning" (thanks, Bill!). This gentlemen is not at all given to exaggeration or saying things he doesn't mean, so his assurance of daily intercession on my behalf immeasurably blessed and encouraged me. Indeed, it is a wonderful thing to know that somebody cares so much about us that they mention us to the One who cares the most about us.
I also wonder how God must feel when His children pray for each other. I know how much I love hearing my children speak well of each other, and particularly this time of year, when they discuss what their siblings might like for Christmas. How much more must our Heavenly Father rejoice when, like my friend, we seek His blessing for our brothers and sisters. "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth" (II Thessalonians 1:3).
May I suggest that we keep in mind the fact that believers pray for each other as brothers and sisters of a Father. This is an obvious Biblical truth, of course, but a bit of pondering and consideration infuses the matter with the warmth that family realities always foster. Our Lord doubtless loves to see us approach the throne of grace with fellow believers on our hearts, and their names on our lips. Even more, He responds to our family prayers in far greater measure than we realize. The Apostle Paul realized this blessedness, and we close with his joyous supplication for the Philippian believers that we do well to emulate in prayers for our brothers and sisters...
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy."
(Philippians 1:4)
Weekly Memory Verse
Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor."
(Ephesians 5:1)
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