I recently had a friend who needed my prayers. But I felt she needed more, so I referred her to one of the therapists I work for. I knew this therapist was a believer and a prayer warrior so my friend would be in good hands. Then I realized she was in more than that! And so was I.
An image came into my heart. When we pray with people we often hold hands. But what happens to our other hand? Our Lord holds it. According to Scripture, He joins in, so we become a conduit. His love, mercy, and grace flow through us into the person we are praying for and with at that time. And because we have both approached the Throne, we are both blessed by His presence.
Perhaps that is why Scripture tells us: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20.)
In Deuteronomy, it states two or three people are needed to be a viable witness. So, the next time you hear someone say, “As God is my witness” you will understand exactly what that means. The Trinity, Three Persons in One, is your advocate when you pray, when you act in faith, and when you bend to His will.
And there is more… Our Lord isn’t just sitting on a cloud listening, but because His Spirit is praying with us, He is actively involved.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God (Romans 8:26-27).
If you ever feel inadequate to pray with someone or for someone, perhaps this image of God holding your other hand will help you understand that you are made adequate by our Lord’s presence in the prayer. We all are.
God hears every prayer and answers it–perhaps not the way we want, but He does respond in His perfect timing. The important thing is not that we “get our wish” but that we know in our hearts, minds, and strength that when we pray He is there and He cares.
So in every aspect of your life, handle it with prayer.
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