When is the last time you told a lie? Be honest! If you agree to pray for someone but don’t follow through, does that make you a liar?
The fact that there are so many verses in the book of Proverbs on lying suggest that maybe this is an area more of us struggle with than we want to admit.
After a friend shared a real hardship in her life she walked away and I said: “I’ll be praying for you.” The next time I saw her I was reminded of my words and felt completely ashamed and convicted that not once had I lifted her in prayer. I had every intention but daily life had completely washed it from my memory! Although it was not intentional, my lack of action had made me a liar!
If I begged you to pray for me would you pray? Paul begged his brothers and sisters to join him in his struggle through prayer.
30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me (Romans 15:30 NKVJ)
The word he used for “strive” means “to struggle in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to be a partner (assistant): – strive together with.”
Agreeing to pray is not just a nice thing to say or a way to show someone we care. Committing to prayer is agreeing to put on the armor and head to the front lines on their behalf.
Sharon Jaynes, in her book The Power of a Woman’s Words wrote: “Many ancient shields had brackets attached to the sides. These brackets were a type of latch that soldiers could use to lock during battle. When the shields were locked together, the soldiers moved as one force, forming a barricade against the enemy. Alone, the shield was a small defense. Together, they formed a human wall. Do you see the significance? When we lock arms in prayer with others, we are locking our shields together and forming a powerfully strong fortress of defense.”
Before committing to go to battle on behalf of another, let’s be sure we take the commitment serious and follow through in joining them in their battle.
Will you pray for me?
