Recently, I heard the replay of my conversation with Kathi Lipp on her podcast where we talked about asking for prayer and I wanted to invite you to join us! Welcome if you’re visiting from Kathi’s page. I’m so glad you’re here! I would love to pray for you today, and have us all pray for each other. I’m also giving away my new favorite prayer journal. Keep reading to find out more.
It was supposed to be a prayer request, but my email started out more like an apology. I needed friends to pray, yet I was hesitant to ask. I didn’t want my burdens to burden them.
They already had so many problems of their own: illnesses, a job loss, death of a loved one, relationship strains, overwhelming stress, and overloaded schedules.
I questioned whether my need rated high enough on the urgency “Richter scale.”
Was it really bad enough to ask for prayer, or should I wait to see how things turned out?
The first sentence in my email went something like this: “I hate to add to your list of burdens, but I need prayer for JJ.”
A few years ago, my husband had a routine check-up and blood test results that caused his doctor to be concerned about his liver, which led to a biopsy that week. We didn’t know whether it would be anything serious in the end. I just knew I didn’t want to walk through it alone in fear, denial, or my own strength.
Within fifteen minutes of me hitting “send,” friends who were on their computers started telling me they were praying. And not only did they pray, they thanked me for sharing what was going on and for letting them be there for me.
One friend shared how someone she knew had been through a similar situation. Another asked questions and made some great suggestions. Then another cracked a funny joke that made me laugh, which I really needed to do!
The night before we went to the hospital, my friend Amy sent an email saying, “I’ve been lifting prayers heavenward for your family since your last email. Know that you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Let us know as soon as you hear results. We’re all in this with you, friend.”
As I read her last sentence, I could almost feel the softness of her hands gently squeeze my shoulders and hear her saying, “We’re all in this with you, friend.”
And then it hit me, what if I had not shared our need?
I would’ve missed the comfort of having friends “with me” and peace that came through the power of their prayers.
They would’ve missed out on a chance to be the “body of Christ” by guarding our hearts and minds with God’s promises and the power of prayer. And they would have missed being part of what God was doing, the joy that came when medical tests went well, and the recovery that was quick. And as we waited that week for biopsy results that ended up coming back normal, their prayers and God’s peace were constant companions.
Are you are carrying a burden today? Don’t listen to doubts that make you question the validity of your need. Even if, like me, you hate to impose on others.
Asking for prayer isn’t about putting burdens on our friends.
It’s about letting them walk by our side down a path we were
never intended to walk alone.
Lord, thank You for never seeing my prayers as a burden. Help me remember the power and purpose of prayer in my life and in my friendships.
Let’s walk together and carry each other’s burdens this week by sharing a prayer request and praying for each other in the comments by clicking “Share Your Thoughts.” I’ll be praying for each of you! And would love if you could leave a short prayer for the person who shares their need in the comment above yours!!!
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Come to Me {journal} by Renee Swope
Jesus invites us to come to Him: to receive, rest, be renewed, and remain in His love. Experience the power of God’s presences and rejuvenate your soul with the living water of His word as you are reminded with the truth of who God is and who you are in Him.Filled with inspirational quotes and prayers, this journal will help you position your heart to receive God’s peace, plans, perspective and purpose for you each day. 6×8 Hardcover, 144 Pages
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Thank you for sharing:)
You hit the nail on the head. I often felt like I shouldn’t ask for prayer because I don’t like to bother people:)
I needed this.
Smiles!
Margaret, I come along side of you and stand in agreement that you will find a renewed sense of purpose. Lord touch my sisters body so she can walk in the calling you have placed on her life. I lift her husband to you Father, we know that you can give him the peace of mind too deal with anything he may have to deal with. Father if retirement is your will let him trust you to provide the financial support he needs to care for his family.
I am asking for prayer to start spending daily quiet time in prayer and bible study. I have no friends to hold me accountable, I really have no friends. I lost my husband in 1999 and haven’t been in a relationship since than. The only place I go is church and home; please pray the Lord would send me the man of God that he has for me or some healthy relationships so I’m not alone. Thank you.
I am dealing with chronic pain that medication doesn’t touch. I have a cervical epidural tomorrow morning and am supposed to get a back brace any day now. Colleen, I will be praying for your medical situation and for your husband. Depression and job loss are tough things to deal with, speaking from experience. I will gladly lift you up in prayer.
Fran, I also just moved to a new community. Since moving I have been diagnosed with lymphoma, had 4 infusion treatments, my husband lost his job (part of the reason we moved here), we’ve had to move in with our daughter and family, and my husband is now in a deep depression. Two wonderful women have befriended me and are praying for us plus meeting with me each week. It sounds like God is blessing both of us with new friendships during challenging times! I will also pray for you and your husband. We aren’t supposed to walk through life alone. Blessings to you!
Thank you for this. I too find it hard to ask others to prat for me as I often do for them. @Susan, I pray with you that you find a renewed purpose and for your husband as he makes life changing decisions/transition in his career.
Please also pray for me as I lost my job March 31st and am trusting God as I seek employment. I’m trusting God that this one opportunity comes through. And if it doesn’t, I know he has something else for me. And that he continues to give me peace and all of my needs are met. Thanks.
I find it hard to request prayer from others, because of constant criticism or they don’t think it is a big enough concern to them. I am ready to walk away from a 27 year marriage because of many issues, but it isn’t important enough for others to pray about.
I will pray for you, Adonica, that He will bring you strength and comfort and guidance, and a new awareness of His presence in your life.
Also, that you will find a real-life friend who will pray for you and show you that you ARE important.
I just moved to a new community. I met a lovely Christian woman and had only seen her two times when I
needed to be covered in prayer. The Lord put it on my heart to call her and ask her to pray for my needs.
I did hesitate, but followed the spirits leading. She was very gracious and loving when i called her. She very
graciously took my requests to God… Know it will be the beginning of a wonderful ” new sister in Christ “relationship.
I often have a hard time reaching out to others on behalf of myself or our family’s “sticky issues” (the ones that I’d rather no one even know about). Yet, I’ve learned the power of “me too” SO many times and have found that when I let my guard down enough to be vulnerable with my prayer requests and burdens, so many other friends start sharing theirs, as well. In addition, we can all learn and GROW from what we’ve all been through, which is part of why I think God lets us endure certain seasons~ to be a help to someone else. Even so, I still find myself holding back on sharing my requests at times, so this post was perfect timing for my heart! Thank you!!
Margaret,
Praying for you and your family in the sudden loss of your sister. May you all find comfort and strength in the Lord during this sad time.
Please pray for me. I need to find a renewed sense of purpose. My husband is going through major changes in his work (possible retirement) and I have an autoimmune disease which makes life challenging.
Dear Abba Father,
I as for comfort for Margrets family and safe travels to the funeral of their sister that has passed.
In Your Son and My Lord ans Savior Jesus Christ Amen.
I ask for prayes for my prayer life and stay on track with Gods plan for me. It seems like I backtrack in my life to God and I just ask for help.
Thank you and God Bless
Learning (slowly) that the burdens are always lighter when someone else helps you carry them!! I pray that my friends will always feel comfortable coming to me to partner with them.
Father, I come to you on behalf of Magaret and her son Thomas. You are the Great Physician, Comforter, Sustainer and I ask that you bless them and lift them up during this time of need. I ask in the precious name of Jesus!
My Momma has heart surgery on Tuesday to try to repair a leaky heart valve and we are both getting pretty scared. We have been praying our hearts out. I hope that she makes it through safely and that it improves her quality of life.
Praying for Thomas. Prayers for perseverance, relief from the pain, wisdom for the doctors and a speedy return to full health including all of the activities for a 21 year old.
Please pray for my family, as we found out this morning that my sister passed away. She has been in poor health for a while but it still is a shock. Pray for my sisters who will be traveling in for the funeral.
What a timely post! I am always happy to pray for others, but often don’t ask myself, I don’t know why! Please pray for my son Thomas, age 21, who has been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. He’s on lots of meds trying to get into remission, but he’s felt bad for six months now and still isn’t feeling better. I worry that he will get discouraged, but he’s got a very good attitude about it. It’s hard being a 21 year old, just starting out into adult life, and having to deal with a painful disease. Thanks to all.
During the month of April I was sick and in the hospital twice. I had Pneumonia and then later massive fluid build up with had to be drained. They drained off a liter and a half of fluid. During that time, I had Prayer support from my wonderful friends! Prayer works and I will be Praying for you @Karen! I know what it is like to be Caregiver to our parents. I will Pray that your daughter’s pregnancy will be smooth.
I have sure felt this way many times. Thanks for sharing this. I would like to request prayer for my 18 yr. old daughter who is doing drugs and thinks its okay, Has a boyfriend who is not good for her and just walking down a rebellious road. SO hard to stand by and watch but I know I cannot control her. This is God’s battle and He is only one who can change her heart. Trusting God! He is able.
Dear Kim,
I to had an 18 yr old daughter who thought it was ok to do drugs. I prayed for a few years continuously for my sweet daughter and the Lord heard my pleas. He provided her with a year in prison which turned her life around. I am still so grateful that He is in control and not us because who has the mind of God and who can turn all the ugliness into something beautiful. I will be praying for you and your daughter and please know through this hard time there is always hope in our Lord.
@Karen…I am praying that you will feel & know the Love of God so deeply it will change you (as it is changing me!?) so that you will just naturally bring that love with you everywhere you go!
I need prayer for my 92 yo Dad going into assisted living. He’s alone now & doesn’t do change well. I need prayer for salvation & Bible training of my grandchildren & their Dad. My daughter is having her fourth child at almost 40; she is exhausted most of the time. I am trying to start a business because I’ve been out of work for two years! We have spiritual, financial & stress issues. Please pray for us!
Please pray for me that I will stay strong in Christ in order to be a blessing to others. I want others to have hope when they come in contact with me.
This post really hits home with me. I have a hard time asking others to pray for me because I don’t want to burden them. Thanks for reminding me that sometimes it is a blessing to be asked to pray for someone.