The Need for Prayer

And He said to them, My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch. Mark 14:34 (New American Standard Bible)

Jesus’ grief was not only felt in the Garden of Gethsemane, it was expressed to His closest friends. He let them into the darkest moments of His life. The One who created the world, performed miracles, and eventually died to bring salvation to the ones He created, felt grief to the point of death and He asked others to pray for Him during that time. The One who Himself answered prayers was asking for prayer. That truth broadens my view of how much Jesus can relate with us when we experience the painful, sorrowful, heart wrenching, disappointing, depressing, and “point of death” moments and seasons of life.

Jesus knew that prayer could go beyond the words and sympathies of others. Even when we can finally find the words to speak and have the opportunity to let someone know what is tearing our life apart, there comes a time when the conversation will end and we will be left alone with our thoughts. Prayer goes beyond the conversation and comfort of others. It carries the person when all human support and help is unavailable. Even if one were able to physically be with you throughout a difficulty, there would still be the sense of aloneness. A place only God can enter and touch.

I have been in that dark place and know first hand the necessity and benefit of others praying for me. They listened when I poured my heart and story out to them. Their concern and willingness to listen held me as much as their arms did. They reminded me often that their prayers were with me and I knew there were actions behind what they said. What they could not do for me themselves they trusted God to do for me. For the most part, that dark season of my life is behind me and I can now say I am out of the cave that had been my abode for two years. Many were the times I did not think I would make it but they knew I would and so did God. Their prayers and reminders strengthened me.

This morning, my heart aches and my prayers are being raised for a close friend who is just now entering a season of extreme darkness. The same words Jesus spoke to His disciples were in essence the words my friend spoke to me last night. As I prayed with her on the phone, I couldn’t find all the words to express her heart and mine, but I know the same God who carried me through my grief will carry her. I know that the same Power that brought me through will bring her through. I know that the same Spirit that sustained and strengthened me will sustain and strengthen her.

Father, even when I can’t find all the words to speak, You still hear and answer my prayers. How faithful and tender You are! Amen.

Prayer for a Friend - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN3D0Carn3U&feature=related

Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith!