The Neighbourhood as Told by MatthewSample

Have you ever shared a concern with someone, confided in a friend about your struggles or perhaps even spoken to a boss about a problem you were facing? Sometimes after sharing our most inner-thoughts and feelings with somebody, it can feel like we weren’t really listened to or heard. We can be encouraged today that God always listens and hears our prayers. 

As followers of Christ it is important to remember the power of prayer. When I was growing up my parents would encourage me to pray for anyone who was sick and often reminded me of the scripture in Mark 16, ‘when we lay our hands on the sick, they shall recover.’ In one particular instance as a small 10-year-old child, I laid hands on my very unwell Dad and watched in awe as he felt better immediately, right in front of my eyes. This moment has stayed with me through the years and encourages me to never underestimate the power of prayer. 

God has freely given us the precious gift of salvation and as such, His same spirit lives within us. We need not fear, worry or doubt, but instead, in every situation, pray. Prayer is powerful, and through our prayer, we can ask God for wholeness, healing and breakthrough for our friends, family and all those who do not yet know Jesus. 

In Matthew 5, the Bible also highlights the importance of praying for our enemies, and those who persecute us. Jesus displayed this so beautifully on the cross. As He hung there, near lifeless, He cried out to God in prayer and asked for forgiveness for those who had crucified Him. As followers of Jesus, we may encounter persecution and opposition from time to time, but we can be encouraged through Jesus’ example on the cross, to pray for and show the love of God to everyone.  

Prayer: God, thank You that I can come to You in prayer, and You will always listen to me. Thank You for the free gift of salvation, and that I now have Your incredible spirit living on the inside of me. I ask You to help me to pray for everyone, even my enemies. In Your precious name, Amen.