“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.”  1 John 5:14-15

“I’ll be praying for you.” Have you ever responded this to someone in the midst of their trial and then unintentionally forgot to follow through? And even though those words were sincere at the time, they never covered the distance from your mouth to your heart. I will be the first to admit guilt. I have often let that phrase become a first response in empathy and a last resort in practice. Yet the biggest failure I find when I fail to petition on someone’s behalf is the way I justify myself with assumed insignificance. “My prayers wouldn’t have made a difference.” “There are already so many others; one less prayer shouldn’t matter.” It breaks my heart when I consider the lost opportunity of such deceitful excuses. That is me doubting my God. That is me underestimating the power of His spirit. That is me listening to an enemy instead of speaking to a King.

The unfortunate truth is that it’s far too easy to take a passive position on prayer until a time comes when God is the only hope left. Recently, a dear family friend from my hometown was affected by a horrific virus that attacked her liver and prompted massive organ failure. She has been left in a condition that only the hands of an Almighty Healer can overcome. And those of us that know Betsy have been on our knees ever since. It is in these times that our “I’ll pray for you’s” become cries to our Father.

Everyday and in all situations, we carry a weight of responsibility to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our prayers are not just words, but rather a divine connection; an opportunity to intercede FOR them. We have the ability to move God’s heart toward us. Is there any greater weapon we could yield?

Today, I ask you to fervently join me in lifting up Betsy and the entire Finley family. Together, let us approach the throne of our Lord who is faithful to hear, powerful to heal, and close to the hearts of His children. There is strength in the congregation of our prayers and in that strength we have comfort in knowing His will is being done.