December 1, 2023If you’ve been listening to the radio or shopping where Christmas songs are broadcast, it is likely that you’ve heard these words: “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” That song has been playing over and over in my head, as Karen and I wrap presents for our family.
As today marks the first day of the last month of the year, we look back at what has happened and look forward to what will happen. We are grateful for the many people who pray for us and the Quebec radio ministry. We thank the Lord for your partnership and are grateful for those who make the ministry possible by their generous gifts.
Recently, we received the following look at prayer from Ruth Hovsepian, who has a ministry that can be accessed at: www.ruthhovsepian.com:
“I believe so strongly in the power of prayer, and I believe in asking people to pray for you. The best thing about praying is that it doesn’t have to be an individual thing. In fact, the power of prayer is more potent when multiple people pray for the same causes.
So why should we pray for others? What benefits are there to interceding for people? Why is it so important that we pray for each other? Galatians 6:2 tells us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Praying for one another is a powerful way for us to bear one another’s burdens. Taking another’s hand and praying for them is a powerful blessing you can give another person.
We Should Pray for Others Because Prayer Really Helps People
2 Corinthians 1:11, ‘You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.’
We Should Pray for One Another Because It Increases Our Love for Each Other
We should always pray for each other because prayer creates unity. As we pray for one another, the very act of praying for someone else builds love in your heart for that person.
We Should Pray for Others Because It Brings Glory to God
Lastly, we should pray for one another because this brings glory to God. When we intercede for one another, we are reflecting the caring nature of God and bringing Him glory. Not only are we bringing God glory by reflecting Him through prayer, but we also are creating a shared partnership in the good God produces through us, thus giving us all a reason to praise God when one of us succeeds in accomplishing his desires for us. In 2 Corinthians 1:10-11 Paul explains: ‘He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.’ When we pray for each other, it glorifies God in many ways. Let’s raise up the full canopy of prayer and intercession for one another.”
As we approach the day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s remember why He came to Earth: to reveal the love of God for mankind and to redeem all who repent of their sins and trust Him as their personal Saviour.
Scripture for the weekend: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “Through Paul’s experience, which weighed on him like death, God provided a deliverance that lifted Paul like resurrection! His deliverance should remind fellow believers of their hope: Death is not the end. God’s resurrection power is a reality.” – Dr. David Jeremiah (from his Study Bible)
Steve