“I’ll pray for you.”
How many of us, when a friend has shared some difficulty in their life, a problem they can’t find a solution for or an illness which has them fearing for the future, have mouthed this simple phrase? Those four words slip so easily off our tongues, almost like “Have a nice day.” Usually we mean it, but it also can be a convenient way to end an uncomfortable conversation.
Social media makes it even easier. We can type in the words in the comment section or just throw in an emoji of a couple praying hands, maybe even a heart. Then it’s on to the next post.
But what if we took those words seriously? What if we not only meant it when we said “I’ll pray for you,” but actually did it, not just once, but consistently throughout the day? Paul tells us “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16 NIV). If this is true, then when we say “I’ll pray for you” and follow through, we can expect miracles to happen. We can expect the armies of God to move in answer to our prayers.
All this last week we’ve been talking about the armor of God. Prayer is the final piece of that armor. Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Prayer extends the protective covering of God’s Armor over not only ourselves, but also over those we are praying for.
Miracles happen when we pray. Hearts are changed, evil is beaten back, people are healed, and lives are transformed. “I’ll pray for you” is so much more than a passing phrase when spoken by a committed Christian. It is a promise that we will be calling on all the forces of Heaven to come to the aid of those we are praying for.
Today, don’t stop with an emoji on Facebook or Instagram. Don’t just mouth those 4 words, “I’ll pray for you.” Follow through! Be “faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12). “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Then listen closely. God’s army is on the march!