To Pray with Others - December 11

This week’s readings: AM Psalm 38; PM Psalm 119:25-48; Isa. 6:1-13; 2 Thess. 1:1-12; John 7:53-8:11

“To this end, we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of His call and will fulfill by His power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

As I reflected on this Scripture today, I had a realization that stirred something within me. It’s a thought I feel compelled to share, hoping it might resonate with you and spark some reflection.

When I meet with people or have conversations about faith, I often find myself helping others see their journey through a reflective lens—supporting them as they grow closer to God. In those moments, I feel as though I am living into Paul’s prayer, walking alongside others and helping them deepen their faith. And often, I discover that my own faith is strengthened in the process.

This practice is meaningful and worthwhile, but what if this passage from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians offers a broader vision? What if it’s not just about praying for individuals, but about cultivating a community where we pray with and for one another? What if, instead of starting with the question, “How can I pray for you?” we asked, “Who can we pray for together?”

As I consider this, I wonder: What would happen if, as a priest and a fellow disciple, I invited people to join me in praying for those who weigh heavily on their hearts, rather than focusing solely on their personal needs? Would we not then become co-laborers in God’s work of healing and wholeness?

Paul and the early Christians modeled this beautifully, praying continuously for others and for the communities they loved. It wasn’t prayer as an individual act but a shared expression of love and intercession. What if we embraced this more fully?

Here’s an idea to ponder: Think of those you regularly pray for—friends, family, loved ones. What if you invited them to join you in praying for the burdens on their hearts? Could this shift create a deeper connection to God’s transformative love and an even greater outpouring of grace?

It’s a subtle change, but perhaps one that could deepen our faith and draw us closer to the heart of God’s mission in the world.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection: How do you pray for others? How do you pray with others? Other than church, what are ways you could deepen your practice?