Prayer Cover

From the Word:
Click and read Colossians 4:2-4

Key Verse:
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. - Colossians 4:12

My mom is a prayer warrior, and I've benefited all these years from her prayer cover over my life. Lately, I've been reflecting on how faithful she was (and still is) to pray for me. I know the blessed life I am living right now is a direct result of Mom's persistent prayers.

She prayed for the immediate things going on in my life, but she also prayed for my future- my future husband, my future children, etc. Our family talks often about Mom's gift of prayer. I always know I can call her on the phone and ask, "Will you pray for me?" And she will.

When I read our key verse, about Epaphras wrestling in prayer for his beloved Colossian brothers, I was inspired. What a gift to have someone battling for you in the spiritual realm, lifting you before the Lord. Not just once, but always.

As the recipient of the blessings of persistent prayer, I'm inspired to give that same gift to the people I love.

Not only can we bless the lives of our loved ones through prayer, but we can also participate in the work being done for the Lord worldwide. I may not be able to jump on a plane and go to my friends who are missionaries in Romania, but I can pray. Paul's request of the Colossians to cover his ministry in prayer reminds me that praying for my missionary friends is not insignificant or unimportant. Through my prayers for them, I'm participating with them. I'm investing in the work being done. Prayer is an amazing privilege.

Unfortunately, it doesn't always come easily. I've really struggled with my prayer life this winter. I don't know why I resist doing something so important. I always leave my time of prayer refreshed and renewed, but oh how often I replace the privilege of prayer with lesser things! I'm so easily distracted. I firmly believe our prayer lives endure spiritual attack because prayer is so effective and important, and such a gift we can give.

Personal Application:
Who needs your prayer cover this week?
What obstacles prevent you from regular prayer?
What can you do to overcome those obstacles and make prayer time a top priority?

Resources and Tips That Have Worked For Me:

Fighting Distraction:
If you are easily distracted (like me!) try journaling your prayers. I love being able to look back and re-read prayers from the past that I forgot I prayed but can now see how God answered. Writing or typing my prayers keeps my mind focused so I don't end up doing the dishes or starting a load of laundry because I was distracted away from my prayer time.

Praying for Kids:
Wanting to be a praying mom like mine, I saw the value in prayer, but I didn't necessarily know what to pray about for my kids. Then I found this list online. There is one spiritual virtue or character trait to pray for each day of the month. It has been so helpful in showing me how to pray about their spiritual development.

I saved the list as a Word file I can refer to do during my morning prayer time, and I also printed a hard copy I leave on my nightstand so I can check it before bed. On the first day of each month, I start over again at number one. Today, being the first day of February, I prayed for my kids' salvation.

There are many things I pray for my kids that aren't on the list, but I'm thankful to have this reference and know that God will be shaping their hearts as they grow up.

An unexpected result of going through this list has been realizing how much I need to grow in each of these areas. This list could be used to pray for anyone you care about and also as a list for praying for yourself. None of these things come naturally. Only God can make these reality in a person.

Praying for Your Husband:
I highly recommend the book, The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. I have read this book over and over again and am grateful to know how to specifically pray for my husband.

There is no right or wrong way to pray. These were just helpful resources I hope will help you too, as we commit to not take the privilege of prayer for granted. (Thanks for praying for me, Mom)

Father,
Thank you so much for the privilege of prayer. Please help me to value time in your presence and to make it a priority in my life. Show me who needs me to pray for them this week. Help me to give the gift of prayer cover to the people I love and to brothers and sisters worldwide who are working for your Kingdom or who are suffering for your name. Make me a prayer warrior and do not allow me exchange this privilege for lesser things.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen