So my Esther and Paul vision just became a little more real when I am challenged to love my neighbour.

‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’  – Mark 12:31 GNT

I will love my neighbour by praying for them. I will pray for their circumstances, salvation and walk with God.

It would seem that I may have looked to others for advice, or for a book to read in what works when reaching out to neighbours. It would be similar to following the advice one of Job’s friend gave him.

Look for a moment at ancient wisdom;
    consider the truths our ancestors learned.
Our life is short, we know nothing at all;
    we pass like shadows across the earth.
But let the ancient wise people teach you;
    listen to what they had to say – Job 8:8-10 GNT

You will notice, as I just have, prayer is not included in that advice. Here is a great quote I found from Chambers that is spot on.

“The biggest benediction one man can find in another is not in his words, but that he implies: ‘I do not know the answer to your problem, all I can say is that God alone must know; let us go to Him’… The biggest thing you can do for those who are suffering is not to talk platitudes, not to ask questions, but to get into contact with God, and the ‘greater works’ will be done by prayer.”

When I am praying for others I know it has to come from my own sincere walk with God. I pray this is what it looks like.

 Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. – Romans 12:12 GNT

It keeps me steady as she goes and circumstances do not determine my mood and the reality of life is just that – limitations. This I know – the last part makes the other two true. My faithful life of prayer enables me to have hope and supplies me with patience. Joy and troubles actually can be in the same sentence. What a great gift to have from God – since it is such a great gift – I’ll pray.

Prayer is an earnest and familiar talking with God, to whom we declare all our miseries, whose support and help we implore and desire in our adversities, and whom we laud and praise for our benefits received. So that prayer contains the exposition of our sorrows, the desire of God’s defence, and the praising of His magnificent name, as the Psalms of David clearly do teach. – John Knox

 

Prayer is an intimate conversation of the pious with God, yet reverence and moderation must be kept, lest we give loose rein to miscellaneous requests, and lest we crave more than God allows; further,, that we should lift up our minds to a pure and chaste veneration of him, lest God’s majesty become worthless for us. – John Calvin