Follow Me

Prayers of the Faithful

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 18:19

This is a post of honesty – a post of laying out my soul before you….

Last week, I was overcome with a spirit of great discouragement. I didn’t know exactly where it came from but it just consumed me. I couldn’t get a grip and felt overwhelmed beyond all hope. Fear and anger started to creep in, ungratefulness was all too easy to give into, and tears just kept flowing. To make matters worse, a close and precious relative passed away and our family had to deal with the loss.

I knew I had to trust in Jesus as my All in All but I just couldn’t. I knew I should be counting my blessings but I just didn’t want to. I knew I should put a smile on my face but I just felt like it would be a mask to cover up all that was stewing inside my heart.

I was scared that these powerful emotions were going to take its effect and send me spiraling downward. I knew my faith was grounded in the Lord but I was scared that I’d end up losing my passion in believing that God is control, He cares and loves me, He will perform the very best in my life, and He will provide for my every need and emotion.

I was too weak and feeble to stand alone. I knew God would never leave me or forsake me and that His grace and strength would be there for me. But I also knew that God brings Christian brothers and sisters along to help us in our walk with Him. He puts them in our lives as a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, an extra source of motivation, and basically a strong support system. We all make up the body of Christ and one member cannot do without the other.

So I reached out to some close friends who I knew would take my burden to the Lord and pray for me and with me.

God used their prayers as a shield around my soul. Even though nothing happened instantaneously, I knew they were praying for me and that was enough. I sit here thankful that my God is there for me and so is the body of Christ. I may still struggle, I may still have times of discouragement but God’s grace is enough and I’m surrounded by the love and compassion of people that God has put in my life to make it easier to go skipping down the straight and narrow path singing a happy song!

So next time you may feel overwhelmed, reach out to those who are walking the same path with you. Ask for help; ask for prayer. You may be amazed what power comes when two or three are gathered together with the same desire – God is in the midst!