Powerful Relationship Building Prayer

Prayer is a powerful way to build relationships. Most of us use it as some sort of complaining session or to let God know our "wish list". However, it can be an incredible way to bring you closer to God, as well as the people you are praying for. When we pray, we get participate in what God is doing.

This year, I started something new. I asked some of my close girlfriends to send me a verse that I could use to pray for them with. I wrote them in a notebook and keep it with me. Whenever I am at a stoplight or just have some extra time, I read through them, praying for my friends. I can't wait to get to the end of the year and see how God has moved in their lives.

For our families, I picked 10 verses. When I do this again, I won't pick 10...its was a little overwhelming. I just prayed one or two and then the next time, I moved onto the next two. There were 10 for Ken and I, 10 for my immediate family, and 10 for Ken's immediate family. Prayer was a way for us to be "close" without living in the same place.

I've also had the privilege of praying for a friend of mine that was pregnant. She had some complications for pretty much her entire pregnancy. She was eventually put on full bed rest, which turned to being at the hospital (an hour away from her home) for the remainder of her pregnancy. They wanted her to get to at least 25 weeks before they would even think about delivering. There was something almost every week that I was able to pray for...between finances, her husband having to me "mom" and dad, each hospital visit, her safety, the baby's safety, traveling, their other 3 kids, etc. God brought their sweet baby boy into the world while she was only 26 week and 5 days pregnant. This baby is a miracle (all babies are actually miracles!) and an answer to multiple prayers. It was something that brought a body of believers together to pray for something that we all got to get a glimpse of God's awesome sovereignty! Baby Boy is doing so well and each day he is getting stronger and growing is just another answer to prayer. What I love about this is that I have grown closer to my friends just by being able to pray for them. I'm thankful for the friendship!

One of my favorite books is "The Power of a Praying Wife". I count it a joy and privilege that I get to pray for my husband. My most favorite thing she touches on in the first chapter is that my main prayer is that God will change MY heart! Not make my husband change, but that I would change! I love that! All too often, we ask God to give us "my way". How is that working out for you? I know it doesn't work for me. I've asked God soooo many times for Him to give me my way...and then I realize HIS way is so much better!!! So, now that I'm married, I pray for my heart to change, knowing God's plan is perfect. The book continues with each chapter being a different area of your husband's life which you can pray for. There are 30 short chapters so that you can pray for him daily for one month. (If you are looking for a devotional for couples, there is also "The Power of a Praying Husband". A husband and wife can go through the books at the same time. "Praying Husband" only has 20 chapters and I will list them in parenthesis next to the chapters below IF they're different from the "Praying Wife" book.). Here are the things it says to pray for:

1. His wife (Her husband)
2. His work (Her spirit)
3. His finances (Her emotions)
4. His sexuality (Her motherhood)
5. His affection (Her moods)
6. His temptations (Her marriage)
7. His mind (Her submission)
8. His fears (Her relationships)
9. His purpose (Her priorities)
10. His choices (Her beauty)
11. His health (Her sexuality)
12. His protection (Her fears)
13. His trials (Her purpose)
14. His integrity (Her trust)
15. His reputation (Her protection)
16. His priorities (Her desires)
17. His relationships (Her work)
18. His fatherhood (Her deliverance)
19. His past (Her obedience)
20. His attitude (Her future...this is the last chapter)
21. His marriage
22. His emotions
23. His walk
24. His talk
25. His repentance
26. His deliverance
27. His obedience
28. His self-image
29. His faith
30. His future

I encourage each one of you to start praying! I didn't pray for a long time...just here and there. Small talk. When I was in my mid-20's I met a woman who is an incredible prayer warrior. I wanted to be like that...I just didn't think it was my gift. Then I realized, its not a gift, its a discipline. So, I just decided to do it! Now, I NEVER tell someone that I will pray for them if I can't. Even if its on facebook and I comment that I will pray...I pray that exact moment. I don't want to do it and then forget about it. I was very convicted about telling people I would pray just b/c it was what sounded good...that's lying! I was tired of lying to people. Plus, I wanted to pray on their behalf.

Get involved in peoples' lives! Participate! Be moved by what God will show you!

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