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“Pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16
Praying Friends: Friends in Times of Need
Personally, I find the friendships that I treasure most are the ones that I call my “praying friends.” Praying friends are those people you can turn to when times get challenging or difficult, to ask for prayer. They may even offer to pray for you without your asking. They are the ones you turn to who are willing and able to pray FOR you and your loved ones, and some will even pray WITH you. Some of my closest friends are my praying friends. Those that I depend on for prayer support as the need arises, and I do the same for them. It’s mutually beneficial. So what kinds of things do we ask our praying friends to pray for? Well, the answer is simple: Just about anything!
Why Pray with Others?
Praying friends are those that we depend on when we are in need of God’s help. They are there to pray for us when we feel sad, need comfort or encouragement; are grieving, anxious, or feel lost; when we experience job loss or even relationship issues. They are the ones whom we can depend on for prayer when we are in need of God’s help. The Bible tells us in the following scripture that there is great power in praying with others. For Jesus said:
“Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:19-20
This scripture tells us clearly that there is power in numbers when it comes to praying to God. I suspect that is because it takes humility and strong faith to ask others to pray for and with us.
Perhaps this may be a good time for you to think about your own friendships. Do you have any praying friends? Could it be possible that it’s time to look around at your family and friends to see if you have any praying friends? You may already have some and not even know it.
Perhaps you could offer to pray with someone you know who is struggling in some way and in need of prayer, even if it means doing so for the very first time. If you don’t find any praying friends among the people you know, it is important to be creative in seeking them out through other avenues. Having praying friends will change your life! I have met my praying friends on the ballfield at soccer games, through other friends, while volunteering, taking classes, joining clubs, etc… And I have found there are many, many people out there who gladly pray for others.
Church is another more traditional place to meet people that may become your praying friends. Church services. Bible studies. Small groups. Ministries. Committees. Retreats. Church events like church dinners, and the list goes on and on… Many times people return to the faith of their youth. Yet others visit various churches to see where they are most comfortable. You’re really only a stranger for about 15 minutes once you get there, as you begin to meet new people.
When you extend yourself to others by offering to pray for them, you are doing God’s work and building a special relationship as Christian believers. I know many people who pray for each other. And the benefits are huge. People often come away from those who pray for and/or with them more faith-filled, less stressed, and feel encouraged, and comforted. Sometimes they even experience healing. Truth be told, others need your prayer support as much as you need theirs!
3 Easy Ways to Connect with Praying Friends
- Pray for yourself for something today. You may even ask God to send you some praying friends! When we pray for ourselves and are “prayed up,” we are far more prepared to help others through prayer.
- Offer prayer to someone you know who is struggling. Then do it! You can pray FOR anyone, anywhere, anytime—in the car, at home, while doing the dishes, or taking a walk…If you are feeling really comfortable, you may even offer to pray WITH them!
- Join a church, Bible study or Christian small group, or volunteer to meet new people. As I said previously, there are so many great places to meet other praying friends.
We all need prayer support at times. Praying for others, and having others pray for us, is vitally important for believing Christians as it is uplifting and provides great comfort in times of need. You deserve to have praying friends—trusted people you can be yourself with, and be available to pray for and even with, if you are comfortable. So give it a try—it’ll change your life!
© Copyright 2023 | Adele M. Gill
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