Don’t forget to pray for our brothers and sisters throughout the world who are suffering for the cause of Christ. Isn’t it a little crazy and even a little to our shame that we need to be reminded to do something so basic yet powerful? Why is prayer so neglected in the lives of most Christians? Having an open channel to the throne of God would seem to be enough to keep us forever on our proverbial knees (Hebrews 4:16).
Where else will we learn so much about our Creator? What other activity is so nourishing to our minds and souls? And yet prayer is often only remembered when we find ourselves in need. James writes, “The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful” (James 5:16). Why are we so reluctant to tap into such power?
There are so many who suffer for proclaiming the name of Jesus. A friend who has a great heart for ministering to those in prison shared a story with me about a woman kept inside a shipping container in the desert. She would scratch Bible verses onto the walls. When the guards saw it, they became incensed, questioning her about where she was hiding her Bible. When she told them it was in her head, they said they would have to beat it out of her then. Still, she responded with great love and humility. Where does someone get that kind of strength? It’s enabled through the Holy Spirit by the endless prayers of faithful believers who remember their brothers and sisters in chains (Hebrews 13:3; Ephesians 6:18–20).
Never underestimate the power of prayer (Philippians 4:6–7; 1 John 5:14–15). It is the vehicle God uses to empower, protect, and sustain those who are faithful to Him (2 Thessalonians 3:1–3; Psalm 34:17). When was the last time you supported the needs of others with your prayers? Don’t forget to pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those suffering persecution because of their faith (Matthew 5:10–12). We have much to pray about and should never be at a loss about who or what to pray for. The needs are great, and we must not be derelict in our duty to pray.
It’s so easy to send money to an organization or missionary and then forget them. It’s too easy, in fact, because it takes so little time. But don’t forget to pray for those you care enough to support. Keith Green once quipped, “God can’t cash out-of-state checks in Heaven.” God doesn’t need your money; He wants your commitment (Micah 6:6–8; Romans 12:1). Spending focused time in prayer is going to cost you some time. Are your brothers and sisters worth that sacrifice to you?
When we forget to pray, we demonstrate the height of selfishness (1 Samuel 12:23). We don’t pray because we don’t want to be bothered and don’t see the needs of others as more important than the things we want to do (Philippians 2:3–4). We all know of great prayer warriors and admire their humility and perseverance (Colossians 1:9–12). I want to be someone like that; someone whose first instinct is to go to God in prayer (Luke 18:1). I want to be someone who always remembers my brothers and sisters in far more dangerous situations than my own. Men and women all over the world are suffering great harm because they refuse to deny the name of Jesus (Revelation 2:10). They are warriors who need our support. We must not forget them. Don’t forget to pray.