Prayer Partners

Last weekend I encouraged you to focus on the subject of prayer. Since the weekend blog is posted on Friday and continues through Sunday, I intentionally mentioned enough things about prayer to keep you on the subject all weekend. 

Today's emails included one from a man who is fairly new in the Christian faith. His questions concerning the section about "prayer partners" prompt me to write about that today.  I don't know if any of you are currently participating in praying with a partner, but it is a great way to share successes, failures, difficulties, strong points, etc. with someone you can count on. 

I do wish to emphasize that praying with a partner does not take the place of your personal prayer time, that special time with just you and God. Perhaps in cultivating the prayer relationship with a partner you will grow to pray about some of the same things you pray in your personal prayer time. 

One of the resources I use has a lot to say about the selection of a prayer partner. I'm hoping these points will be helpful not only in selecting your prayer partner, but also in setting some parameters of your prayer time together. 

1. Both partners should be completely trustworthy.  The things you hear your partner pray for should never become the source of gossip. Maintain confidentiality. 

2. Be sure to listen as well as you speak. Being an attentive listener is key for prayer partners. It is the only way you can be sensitive to the needs of each other and genuinely continue to pray for each other. 

3. Do not be critical or judgmental about the things your partner prays for. When both partners are praying from the heart, accept that your partner may mention things which aren't important to you, but are to him. 

4. Set starting and ending times for your prayer time together, and stick with it. 

5. You might be praying in your home or office, but the element of prayer and your mutual conversations with God makes wherever you are holy ground. You are in the presence of the Most High God. 

Think of other parameters you might add to make the time with your prayer partner more effective for both of you. Enjoy your time with each other to learn, respect, help, and spiritually grow.  Be sure to record all the details in your prayer journal. 

Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

<ronbwriting@yahoo.com>