Not Everyone is Joyful at Christmas: How to pray https://beckielindsey.com/2017/12/18/not-everyone-is-joyful-at-christmas-how-we-can-pray/

Christmastime can be extremely difficult for those who have suffered a death or loss. Rather than bringing tidings of great joy, Christmas ushers in reminders and painful memories.

What if you could see grief on a map? I have a feeling all across the globe, we would see millions of tiny specks representing those who are dealing with some kind of loss.

star-map-compressor

In our continent alone—from Texas to Florida to Puerto Rico to Las Vegas to California and to Mexico— the hurt would expand with each person affected to the people they’re connected with, leaving none untouched by the events of 2017.

The loss we have suffered in 2017 means there is a great need for prayer.

What does prayer do? Who should we pray for? How can we pray?

What Does Prayer Do?

In order to understand more about what prayer can do, we must understand more about God. Biblically speaking, God is a personal being. When we pray, we are reaching out and communicating with God. Not only is God personal, He is all loving, all-powerful, all-knowing, holy, and wise. He knows what’s best for us.

This means that no prayer is too great for God, but also that no prayer is too small for Him.

“Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
James 5: 13-16

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Ephesians 6:18 praying-girl-compressor

Who Should We Pray for and How

The correct answer is anyone and everyone. But all of us know someone who is dealing with something difficult and is in need of specific prayers.

Scripture is the perfect way to pray.

  • Pray for those who have experienced loss or tragedy (Matthew 5:4).
  • Pray for those who are lonely (Psalm 25).
  • Pray for those who are incarcerated or a loved one is incarcerated (Ephesians 1:7).
  • Pray for those who do not have a personal relationship with God’s son, Jesus Christ. (John 3:17)
  • Pray for food pantries and local homeless shelters (Proverbs 22:9).
  • Pray for our churches and godly leaders and their families, for much is expected of them (Galatians 6:9).
  • Pray for those who are suffering from illness (Psalm 6:2,3).

Prayer can make a profound difference in our world. But it is up to us to humbly and regularly seek the face of God.

Who is the Spirit leading you to pray for?

Please feel free to put your prayer requests in the comments below. Do you have something to add to the list of those we should pray for?

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