I have several prayer warriors (actually, I have 20 on my list today) who intercede for me regularly. Some pray for me and Pam every day. Others pray when I request it. I know it sounds cliché to say, “Prayer really matters” . . . but, I continue to learn how much it does. In fact, here are some ways the prayers of my support team have changed my life:
- I know every day that I’m not alone. No matter what I face today, I know God is with me – and knowing these friends are praying for me keeps that truth in front of me. My prayer warriors may be all over the world, but still they are with me. They are followers of God who remind me that He is with me.
- I deal with temptation differently. That is, because I know others have already taken my name to the throne of God before I face temptation, I’m more prepared to deal with it. I realize, then, that if I choose to be disobedient, I’m ignoring the conviction of the Spirit and the prayers of God’s people.
- I can tackle tough situations more readily. As a seminary dean, I sometimes have to deal with difficult situations. The same is true when I’ve been a pastor or interim pastor. Frankly, I don’t like confrontation. When I know my prayer warriors are with me, though, I’m more willing to do whatever I need to do in these situations.
- I worry less. I confess that I still carry too many burdens on my own, but here’s the reality: I don’t carry them nearly as long when I remember that I have prayer support. These folks praying for me would want me to leave my burden at Jesus’ feet—and they’re right.
- I look forward to doing ministry. Every time I speak somewhere, I email my prayer team to let them know. I’m not sure I can put into words how much more I love doing ministry when I know these folks have already been interceding for me. Their prayer ignites my passion and gives me strength for the work.
- I pray more. When you know the power of prayer because of the persistence of your prayer warriors, you will want to pray more. To be honest, my daily prayer is that God would make me a man of prayer others would turn to in need. I want to be like the several folks who take prayer seriously on my behalf.
Now, here’s my challenge to you: enlist at least 2-3 prayer warriors who will commit to praying for you regularly. Work with them to determine the process you will follow as a team. If you already have these kinds of prayer warriors who “have your back,” make sure you’re intentionally seeking their support.
Prayer really, really does matter.
