“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. ” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Question for the day:  Who is praying for you?

I received a wonderful response this week on a previous post (thanks to all of you for your responses – I think they are all great!)  In his response, a friend commented that he was so appreciative of the friends he had that prayed for him.  He said they were a great help in discerning the voice of God.  

He makes a wonderful point.  Life is full of ups and downs, decisions and choices.  If we truly want to live a disciple’s life, we should be in constant prayer about all our decisions.  We should be asking God, “What do You want me to do here?”

Sometimes, hearing the answer is easy.  But many times it is not.  I am thankful for my wise friend who has learned to rely on trusted friends to help him when the answer is not so clear. He sets an example for us all.  So, I will ask the question, “Who is praying for you?”

We have all sorts of friends don’t we?  Very old and dear friends, work friends, play friends, people we know through our community, and many others.  And it seems, in my life, each friend has a specific role to play.  I bet you have those people too.

But I would suggest to you, that every Christian needs “covenant friends.”  These are people that we surround ourselves with to help us along on this disciple’s journey.  They are people with hearts to follow Jesus in all circumstances.  They have strong prayer lives and are committed to their own spiritual growth.  And they love you enough to tell you the truth in love at all times.

These people are invaluable, because when our other well-meaning friends might have great advice for certain situations, these covenant friends always have godly counsel.  And you can trust it.

The life of a highly committed disciple is a hard one.  And I thank God for my covenant friends, who help me navigate the daily challenges I encounter.  The keep me encouraged, and at times accountable to the principles of the faith.  

Friends, can you name those specific people in your life?  If not, may I suggest that you pray, and ask God to lead you to those people?  These relationships are so important.  The blessings that come with them are too many to count.  I encourage you to take stock of your life, and do yourself the favor of surrounding yourself with a few godly people.  For where two or more are gathered in His name, He is there also.

Peace to each of you this weekend.

Gracious Lord,

How I praise Your name today, for You are holy and righteous and Your unfailing love for me endures forever.  Lord, You have blessed me with a circle of godly friends that can weather the toughest storms and celebrate the most joyful victories with me.  How fortunate I am.  

I thank You for each of these, who are willing to listen, to pray, and to speak on Your behalf.  Because sometimes, I can’t trust my own emotions.  But I can trust theirs.  Because I know they seek You in all things.  And I know their hearts.  What a comfort that is.

I pray today that everyone in my church would understand what a precious gift this is.  I pray that the bonds of Christian family would grow strong here, and that this would become a haven of safety and authenticity for all people.  Help us, Lord, to love and trust each other with all manner of things – that we may truly be a church that glorifies You.

In the name of the Lamb I pray,

Amen