Daily Delight
Prayer. I’d often do it in the quiet of my home; in the sacred solitude of my own space. It’s between me and my God, hidden from the view of the world. The root of this mindset is set in words of Jesus, “But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:6, CSB).But even in prayer, the enemy hides, waiting to strike where you least expect. When I’m asked if I have any prayer requests, more often than not, my automatic response is “No, I’m good.” But is that true? Didn’t I pray just this morning? Isn’t there a word of praise for our amazing God? Don’t I pray on behalf of others?Then why do I not allow others to pray for me?I realize it comes down to pride and shame: two deceitful attacks with the enemy’s prints all over them. Sometimes I assume my prayers are big enough and I don’t need anyone’s help. Other times I am ashamed of the things I am praying for - what they would reveal if someone else was to find out. Perhaps you can relate.Jesus urges us to pray in secret--not to keep our prayers secret, but rather to not make a public display of our prayerful act. In fact, Jesus also says, “Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:19-20, CSB). Pray for one another, and allow others to pray for you. Our prayers are stronger together! Paul writes, “And as they pray on your behalf, they will have a deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you” (2 Corinthians 9:14, CSB).The next time someone asks if they can pray for you, let them. Let go of any pride, guilt, or shame, and allow yourself into fellowship with your brothers and sisters, knowing that your prayer together allows you all to draw closer to God by the glory of His grace.
About the Author
Jennifer Tanaka
