This past Lord’s day (as I write this), I was battling through some nasty sinus trouble and a bad head cold. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to teach, but the Lord blessed me and provided the strength and health to be able to do so. I’m sure everything wasn’t up to the usual standards, but the Lord was gracious to help us present the lessons.
Afterwards, when everyone was filing out there were several who offered “well wishes” that I would get better. “Hope you get better.” “Get well soon.” “Be well.” And other sentiments were expressed which were very kind, and I was thankful that so many were concerned about me as to say something.
But as I reflected on all of this, it struck me that not one person said that they would pray for me. (Others with whom I had prior conversation had expressed they would pray for me.) This is not about me and my wanting prayers such as when Paul wrote to the church at Philippi about their supporting him in the gospel (4:17). He wanted them to be fruitful in good works and so increase their “account” before God. We need to be fruitful in every good work. Sentiments are nice, but they are just that - sentiments.
What reason would there be why Christians would not offer to pray for another Christian? I would suggest three things. First, we may not be in the habit of praying very much. It’s not what we do. We are too much like the world in just expressing well wishes. “Have a good trip.” “Be safe.” “Have a nice day.” Nice sentiments, but no substance nor power.
In the second place, we may not think that prayer will do any good. Now, you say, “But we’re Christians!.” And then I say, “Then why don’t you offer to pray?” Hmmm?
Third, to say that we will pray for someone puts us under obligation to keep our word. That means we must remember to pray and then take time to do it. Are we unwilling to do this?
These are some of my thoughts. Love to hear from you.