The Blessing of Prayer

"I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.
Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
Your love for one another will prove to the world that
you are my disciples." -- John 13:34-35

"Is there anything I can pray for you?"
The question was put to me recently. It caught me off guard, pleased me in a deeply personal way, and brought me face-to-face with the living Christ.

"Is there anything I can pray for you?"
When this powerful question is asked it releases a blessing. I was blessed by the invitation to share my prayer needs with another. I was blessed as I paused to consider my response. And I was blessed, further still, as I made my requests known.

"Is there anything I can pray for you?"
So why did these words take me by surprise? They were spoken by someone who stands at a major crossroads in their own life; someone 20 years my junior; someone who I've only known for a few short months; but most importantly, someone who knows how to love just like Jesus.

"Is there anything I can pray for you?"
As believers in Christ, we are called to pray for one another. We are called to ask the question which blesses, as it says:
You are important.
You matter to me.
You matter to Christ.
How can I support your faith journey in prayer?

Thank you, Father, for the blessing of being loved by others in the Body of Christ through the ministry of prayer. Lord, give us eyes to see someone who needs to hear the question, "Is there anything I can pray for you?" Holy Spirit, give us the courage to ask this question with sincerity and love. Finally, give us the discipline to follow through by lifting these prayer requests to You. May we love each other well in prayer. We love You and thank Jesus for the reassurance that you hear each and every request placed before your throne. In Jesus name, Amen.