“I am praying for you” or “I will pray for you.” These have become common clichés that we use a lot when we interact with other believers but truth be told, many of us never get to the praying part, it ends there. Many times we tend to go to God for ourselves, for what we need but one of the things we are told to remember is to pray one for another.
Romans 1:9
9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times;
Paul was constantly praying for others throughout his missionary journeys, as well as reminding then to pray for him. Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith may not fail, He also told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Jesus prayed for the unity of the disciples, He also prayed for those who persecuted Him while He hang on the cross. According to Romans 8:34; Jesus is sited at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.
James 5:16 (NIV)
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Prayer is a powerful thing but truth be told, many times when we pray we are just going through the motions so that we can put a tick that yes we performed our religious duty for the day. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. That righteous man is you and I according to;
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
If we truly believed that our prayers are effective and powerful then we would take every opportunity not just to pray for ourselves but also for others.
We have a duty to each other, to pray for one another, do you know someone who needs a prayer? Remember your prayer is effective and powerful because you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and praying for one another brings about healing. Take a few minutes and say a prayer in faith for two or more individuals you know need a prayer right now.