Author: Chip Sekulich, TwelveStone Chaplain
Life is hard. People are flawed. And at times this world makes it seem like there is no safe place. Sharing prayer requests is one of the most vulnerable things we can do. It is handing over a person or situation to someone else, trusting they will honor it well.
At TwelveStone Health Partners we are grateful when you share your prayer requests with us and when you send names of those you feel will benefit from a call with our chaplain. We are blessed to be a part of a team who prays for and with our patients and for one another. In today’s conflicted world this should not be taken lightly. It sets us apart and we believe the foundation of our success benefiting our entire organization, our families and the patients we serve.
Prayer recognizes we are not alone. Sometimes the best way out of our own fretting is putting the focus outward. When we join in caring for another, we open the door for someone to also join us in our own trying and difficult situation—meaning we are no longer shouldering that burden alone. Prayer unites us with one another and our heavenly Father. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
Prayer demonstrates our faith and dependence upon God. It builds intimacy with God and deepens our relationship to the One who wants to call him Father. Prayer helps us get out of our own way and forces us to put pride aside. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall find rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”. Matthew 11:29
Prayer gives us direct access to the riches and power of Heaven. Prayer creates this posture to receive with open hands. We don’t have to wait for eternity to tap into His goodness and abundance! He wants us to reach up and receive now. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”. James 1:17
Prayer is a tender way to reveal our deepest longings, pain, sorrow, confessions, and praises to the One who created us. This can be done with words spoken aloud, tears of anguish or total silence as we fall prostrate before Him. “But the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words, … utterance, then we may know that they are prompted by the Spirit Himself.” Romans 8:26
Prayer for others, especially when someone asks, is a sacred duty. Even if the timing is not convenient for us or we feel ill-equipped. If God has drawn someone to us, He will guide us. Remember prayer is less about us and more about Him. It is joining hands and hearts and pulling down the power of the Holy Spirit. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Prayer matters. It makes a tangible difference and impacts the life we live and display before others. It is often under-rated, the last option for many and the thing to do when all else fails. When in fact it should go before, during, and at the end of any trying situation. It is not based upon the power of the one praying, but the power of The One to whom we pray. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
With this said, how may we pray for you today?
