5 Tips for Praying Effectively

ecently I consolidated a host of address books to create a master list of friends and family. As I looked at names, addresses, old Christmas letters with photos of so many cherished friends and memories, I was reminded of a missionary couple. Many years ago this couple, after retiring, made a list of 365 friends, family and acquaintances and each day would pray for one specific person and send a postcard with an encouraging thought or meaningful Bible verse and personal note.

Our family was on their list and it meant so much to receive this card each year, knowing that they were praying for us. I’ve decided to follow their example. As I consolidated my address book and thought about all these family and friends who I cherished and whose lives had touched our lives, I wondered how to pray for them. I began examining how I pray, and summarized all my prayers in the following five areas.

This is how I pray for those I love so much… which includes so many of you!

I pray for each of you, (who first and foremost, have come to know Jesus Christ personally and placed your faith in His loving provision and gift of salvation for your soul):

  1. that you will be kept safe (Psalm 121).
  2. that you will draw nearer to God everyday through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit (Psalm 34:8-9).
  3. that you will fulfill God’s pre-ordained purpose for your life so you find richness and joy in life (Jeremiah 29:11-13, II  Cor. 5:11-21).
  4. that you will see with your eyes and hearts, God’s miracles as He transforms every difficulty into good for your lives and glory for Himself (Romans 8:28-29), and finally,
  5. that you will understand what it means to be citizens of His Kingdom even now (learning the language, culture, attitudes, desires, and behaviors of His eternal home) as we all prepare to join Him there in heaven together (Phil. 3:20).

These prayers for you will be in my heart and on my lips until my last breath. Love you all who God has brought into my life SO much…one day you will know how much, hopefully sooner than later. ❤️❤️❤️

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