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There is something that really kinda makes me sad. I mean when I think about it. You know what that is? Wait for it. Some of you will know exactly what I'm talking about.
It really is just so sad. I mean, first of all, God allowed an avenue like Facebook or Twitter to reach out to so many people.
Sometimes, people may ask for prayer. The goal or its purpose is for each individual to privately pray about what they read on certain posts. You get what I mean?
No, then it is not the time to start asking everyone if they actually knew exactly what your friend's prayer was about. No, then would not be the time to ask the person who needs prayer, what exactly is it for?
I am talking about this. When prayers become gossip. I know some of you guys know exactly what I'm talking about. I can imagine as soon as you heard the words "prayers" and then "gossip" you all were probably thinking of a specific person who needs prayer or a specific instance of someone's need for prayer just turning into gossip.
Or, maybe you actually are the one who began the gossip!? I know! Exactly? Why would you even do that? So sad.
We may be sad? Imagine how God must feel? Unified prayers are supposed to be a good thing. Right! Well, supposed to be. I don't think so though if it just turns into gossip.
If people need prayer they should not be afraid of it turning into gossip. You may have been told whatever you have been told because the person who told you trusted you to actually pray for them. And, they knew if you were to forward their prayer to ask other people to pay for them? You would not share their name. He or she really just needed prayer.
Do you want to forward the prayer on to other people who are also men and women of prayer? Sure, go ahead. Ask this person 1st if you can share their name. If not? Then, don't share their name. You can still ask people to pray for them.
Did you know when we talk to God and pray for so and so's uspoken prayer request, we humans may not know what it is about. But, all that matters is that God knows what it's about. He will take care of it. He has it under control.
Something I do a lot is use the words, loved one, unspoken prayer request, a friend etc. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what to say in order to keep the person's identity anonymous.
Pastor Greg Laurie says, " Praying together makes all the difference in the world. The Bible tells us to bear one another’s burdens. Don’t do it alone. Don’t do life alone. Don’t try to be a solo Christian." You see? God knows and doesn't want us to feel alone. Especially if we're going through something that is not fun.
Dude, if they wanted people to know then instead of saying loved one? Don't you think they would have just used the actual name? Or, perhaps instead of saying unspoken prayer requests? If they didn't mind if people knew? Don't you think they would have spoken their whole truth? Yeah, I would think so too.
I think that if the person who needs prayer wants you to know specifics? Then that person really does trust you with their prayer need.
And, that says a lot. Definitely, an A+ rating when it comes to your credibility. Do people even know just how beautiful and sacred prayer is to you?
If not? Then, don't you think it's about time for them to find out? If you don't say anything? Then, don't be surprised if those people you never told will be the ones that will start the gossip.
Let me end with Some words from Pastor Greg Laurie.
But, when we begin our prayers by thinking about the awesomeness of God, it will cause us to see our problems, crises, and burdens in a different light. It will change our perspective as we recognize that God is bigger than our problems.
Luke 11:2
He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
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