PRAYING TO BE SUPPORTIVE

PRAYING TO BE SUPPORTIVE 

With all the challenges we face individually collectively as communities and a society, we’re thinking today about what it means to be supportive  of one another.  The Bible tells us:

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11

When we are feeling confused or pressured or not good about ourselves or our performance and someone takes the time to encourage us with kind words, we immediately start to feel better.

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.  Proverbs 16:24

Kind words are like scaffolding that helps support a person’s confidence as they move forward.  Sorting out what the next right thing to do is during difficult times is obviously not easy and requires patience amid the chaos.  We need to continue to be patient with ourselves if we’re the ones struggling and supportive of others who are seeking to find their way. “Rome was not built in a day” is a true saying. 

And God is with us through it all. The Bible lifts us up with these words:

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.  Psalm 54:4

Heavenly Father, You know how vulnerable each of us is at times.  Help us today to take the time to be supportive of each other and to build each other up. Give us patience and wisdom to listen long and to trust You for the understanding needed to come to good conclusions.  Most of all, thank You for Your peace that supports us through whatever challenges we face.  Amen

There are many ways to be supportive.  Being with others and listening is a great way to give support to others.  Being truthful about where we are at or what we have learned, may help another person.  Honouring each person’s role is important as well as following the principle of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

We need to bless and pray for each other.  God said people were to support and bless others with the following words:

May the Lord bless you and take good care of you.  May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-26

When we pray for discernment in how to bless a person, God will give us the appropriate words to say.  If we follow this path of seeking God’s input, all our words will be supportive and an encouragement to those who hear them. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.  2 Corinthians 13:11

Loving God, Help us to use our words to bless and support as You have blessed and lifted us up with your love and truth. We pray to be those who encourage, those who speak peace, those whose words result in a person feeling loved and cared for.  On our own we’ll harm more than help but You can guide us and empower us to be supportive in all our ways.  Help us today, we pray.   Amen