The Journey

This Week’s Journey

John 17:20

Scripture for May 24
Has anyone ever told you that you have been prayed for by name? I remember the first time that happened to me. It was 10 years ago and I was meeting with a group of pastors as I began the ministry journey. They asked me questions about my ministry and ended our time together with a prayer. The person praying said, “God, please be with Susan as she serves you.” I know it may sound funny, but no one had ever prayed for me specifically by name that I knew of, at least. It was such a powerful moment for me. There was just something that touched me deeply when he said my name. And I have never forgotten the power of that moment, the power of praying for another person by name.

Jesus teaches us to pray for others. We call this intercessory prayer. It means a coming between or intervention. We pray on behalf of another person. Throughout Scripture Jesus prays for others, his closest followers and those who will follow him in the future—and that’s us. We are to follow in his footsteps and pray for others—by name if possible. How powerful it would be if we prayed for others by name and sent emails or cards and told them that. You just never know how that might touch someone when he or she needs it the most.

Dear God,

I don’t know if I have the right words to pray for me, let alone anyone else. But I know I don’t need perfect words. I only need to remember to pray and you will give me the words. Amen.

Pastor Susan