When did someone last pray for you? In our latest blog post, our Ordinand Sarah Rock-Evans, shares why praying for each other is important.
Colossians 1:3 “We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you…”
Earlier this year I was fortunate to enjoy a few days at Lee Abbey in North Devon with my family. As we gathered with all the other guests on the first evening the warden, Rev. Gordon Crowther, welcomed us and said that the Community had prayed for each of us by name ahead of our arrival and would continue to do so throughout our visit. It struck me that this was such a precious gift; unbeknown to me, in the busyness of packing and preparing for a few days away, people we did not know had been lifting our names to God. I have no doubt that this is an important part of the ministry of Lee Abbey.
It also got me thinking about how important it is that we pray for one another. It can be very comforting to know we are being prayed for, but it can also be literally life-changing as the Holy Spirit responds to those prayers and moves in our lives. I wonder if you can recall times when you know people prayed for you? Perhaps you had a sense of peace in a difficult situation, or you may have seen God intervene dramatically in a particular situation.
One of the great benefits of small groups (aka home groups or life groups) is the opportunity it gives to pray for one another over a period of time, to journey together in the hard times and the joyful times. We can come to know the deep comfort of prayer support, as well as sharing in the way God works in our own lives and other peoples.'
Prayer is such a gift – it’s free, requires no qualifications and is available 24/7! Who might you pray for over the summer period? Perhaps a family member, friend or work colleague?
With blessings,
Sarah Rock-Evans Ordinand