“But first pray” is a saying on a coffee cup a dear friend recently gave me. A gentle reminder that all things, big or small, can be brought before the Lord. A constant dialogue, petition, or plea with our Savior, Counselor, and Friend.
I grew up in church and accepted Jesus as a child. Then, my family fell apart. The prayers of two college friends brought me to a Christian concert, and there I came face to face with Jesus. All my fears and heartaches laid bare at His feet. That was the moment I surrendered my life to Jesus. I could feel the weight lifted off my shoulders. My life of doubt and chaos became a life of peace and gratitude. As I leaned into this, I wanted others to know what He did for me.
Over the years, I have felt the Lord place someone on my heart to pray for, and sometimes they pray for me. In this season, the Lord is calling me to intercede for my family, Community Group, and those around me, to be faithful to pray every day. We all are called to “stand in the gap,” to intercede and petition God in prayer on behalf of someone else. What a great honor.
Romans 8:26-27 “The spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how to pray for as we ought, the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”