“Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually].” (3 John 3:2 The Amplified Bible)
Approximately 1,933 years ago, John, the elder, the author of I John, 2 John, and 3 John got personal and wrote a personal letter to Gaius who had acted faithfully in showing hospitality to traveling ministers of the gospel. Today, early on this Sunday morning, I am requesting that you and I do just like John. Specifically, my one request is that you make John’s brief prayer above your prayer. Adapt it as you feel will fit as you pray for those you know need your prayers, specifically as it applies to their physical health.
We may have our own physical issues, but lay them aside this morning, and get very personal praying for your friends, family, and fellow saints. Pray for the person that was standing beside you in the pharmacy line or sitting by you in the waiting room, even if you don’t know their name and can only remember their face. Get very personal and pray in regard to the health of anyone you know who has to go through tough procedures in the near future. Pray for those that you know are traveling down the rugged, rigorous, rough road of recovery from a recent surgery. Pray that all who fit into these categories endure the testing of their faith. Pray for their spouses and their children. Let’s get very personal!
Finally, before you head out to worship, be sure to pray for those who are sin-sick too. The Lord wants to heal them of their sin sick diseases, and He can do it! All of us know someone who we can call out by name that needs to overcome the grip of sin. Don’t hesitate or delay, even if those who come to mind have not solicited your prayers, get personal anyway and pray that they come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If your efforts to lead them to Christ, pray that the Lord will send somebody whose voice will be welcomed.
Both those struggling with physical health and those whose spiritual health is in need of a healing, because of your effectual, personal prayers, they will be able to quote from a portion of the verse listed below, as written by the Apostle Paul. There is power in prayer.
Praise God in advance for how He will answer our prayers. Hear what God has to say this morning when you get to service my friend! Be blessed!
“…in all these things we have complete victory through Him who loved us!” (Romans 8:37 Good News Translation)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King