In recent years, my mother and wife’s mom have been rushed to the hospital. The older you become, the closer death draws near. Yet, when you reach that point of helplessness, worry doesn’t do anything but make matters worse. Thus, as my wife returned from visiting her ailing mother, the first thing that came to my mind to cope with her stress was, “just pray.”
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, Philippians 4:6.
Beside dealing with health concerns, almost everyone has a co-worker, family member or neighbor who is their own worst enemy. This type of individual tends to be stubborn, failing to listen or take the advice of friends. Thus, a vicious cycle is repeated as the same mistakes and sins occur over and over again. Although gossip is often the first response to these unfortunate souls, a better alternative is to resist this temptation through prayer.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, Romans 8:26.
Jesus demonstrated an unusual but effective practice related to prayer. Whenever a person was on the verge of death or presumed dead, Jesus told everyone to leave the room or house. The purpose of this was to get rid of anyone who did not believe God could change a dire situation. Essentially, Jesus removed doubt from hindering his prayers. Subsequently, healings, miracles and resurrections occurred on a regular basis. Wherever you are and whatever you are going through, when you feel like giving up, just pray.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 