Ephesians 6:18

". . . praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints- . . . "

Over and over throughtout scripture, we are exhorted to pray for one another.  Continually.  As the above scripture tells us "with all perseverance and supplication . . . "    1 Samuel 12:23 says:  "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way."   Oops...we sin when we don't pray for one another?  Uh-oh.

It seems like every time I turn around I find out about a new sin I'm committing.  Dear God, will I EVER get things right?  Oh God, help me. 

I praise God daily for His mercies, which are new every morning.  His mercy and grace lead us and teach us in the way we should go.  Where, oh where, would we be without Jesus?

Okay, back to the bible.  The first chapter of Colossians gives us an excellent outline for praying for one another.  You may want to turn to this chapter and read it now.  It would probably be good to take all these points and devise a prayer out of them, keeping them handy for our prayer time.  (more and more we have more and more to pray for....who has time for anything else?!?!?!?!?) 

So, let's list the prayer points:

• be thankful for the faith and changed lives of the saints (1:3)
• ask God to help them know and understand what he wants the saints to do (1:9)
• ask the Lord to give them deep, deep spiritual understanding (1:9)
• ask the Lord to help them and give them strength to live for Him (1:10)
• to be faithful God-pleasers and fruit-bearers (1:10)
• ask God to give the saints increased knowledge of Himself (1:10)
• ask the Lord to strengthen them for endurance (1:11)
• ask God to fill the saints with joy, strength and thankfulness (1:12) 

You may read it and see it a bit differently, but that's okay.  This is simply a guide to get you started.  Prayer is our lifeline to God.  it is our covering and protection.  The saints of God are in a constant, continual, never-ending onslaught from the enemy to have their faith ripped out from them.  We are in a war against hell and we must fight the battle with the weapons of God.  Prayer. 

Prayer is not intended to tell God what we need, he already knows  (matt 6).  Prayer reminds us of how very much we are dependant on God.  Don't neglect the saints when you pray.   Look over your "wish list".  Does it need re-prioritized?  Does something need taken off and something added?  Have you asked the Lord what HE wants you to pray for?  Are you praying God's heart? 

Lord God Almighty, forgive me for not praying as I ought.  Teach me to pray YOUR heart, not mine.  My  list can become overwhelming.  Help me to put things in order that I will pray according to your will.  Bless the saints, Father, bless them in abundance.  Keep them strong in their faith with their eyes always on you.  Cover them with your anointing oil so that the fruit of their lives will be pleasing and holy in your sight.  Guard them Father, from all evil.  In Jesus I ask.  Amen.