Word of Encouragement # 12 April 20, 2000

Praying and rejoicing are two very important parts of a Believer’s life, and they go hand in hand.  Today’s Word of Encouragement is about praying. The first Word of Encouragement I wrote was on Prayer, but I think it bears another.  Rejoice will be the next one.

Pray
Prayer is our lifeline. No matter how big or how small our concern, we are to take it to God.  Prayer is how we talk to God, how we focus on Him, how we hear from Him.  The Bible uses the word “pray” and its various conjugations about 375 times. Then there are the passages that use the concept of prayer without using that particular word. For a Book that has 66 books in it that’s a great deal of emphasis. Here are just a few of my favorites.  You can find more by going to www.biblegateway.com and searching the word “pray”.
 
Matthew 6:6 “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
 
Mark 6:6 “And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.”
 
Acts 6:4” But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
 
Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
 
Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
 
During this time of isolation, we have even more opportunity to draw closer to Him.  Today’s Word of Encouragement gives you a list of things you can be praying on during this time. There are more needs than ever in our community and our world and as Believers it is our privilege to come before His throne and petition the Almighty God.  I sent out a survey by email earlier this week asking for your thoughts on what we can pray for and what we can rejoice in. Here is the list I compiled of your suggestions for prayer:
 
15 Things to Pray For During This Time of Challenge:

1. Pray for the Doctors, nurses and staff that are caring for those with the virus, and who must witness these many deaths.  The trauma and stress they are under is unimaginable.
2. Pray for the residents in nursing homes and memory care units.  They are so lonely, and many don’t understand what is going on. 
3. Pray for those with other illnesses that are afraid to go to the hospital because of possible exposure to the virus, or because they are afraid to be turned away.
4. Pray for the continued improvement and healing of the myriad people with COVID-19.
5. Pray for the scientists who are striving to find a cure and a vaccine as quickly as possible.
6. Pray for families that are struggling from this financially, and those who have lost jobs and businesses because of the shut-down.
7. Pray for the families that are grieving but cannot be together or have funeral services right now.
8. Pray that family ties will be strengthened through this enforced togetherness.
9. Pray for the President, his staff, and all the medical advisors who have such difficult decisions to make for the good of our nation. Pray for their wisdom in decision-making.
10. Pray for cooperation and a comprehensive plan in our government.
11. Pray for the lost, because hearts are changing and softening.
12. Pray the Lord will pour His blessings on our church ministers and staff as they continue to help lead us through a very difficult time.
13. Pray for the health and well-being of all our church family, especially our senior citizens.
14. Pray for strength and patience to endure this time.
15. Above all, pray that in all things God will be glorified.