“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” (Philippians 1:4, ESV).
We all have friends that we see almost every day; there is a casual “hello, how are you doing,” and we go about our day. There may even be a cup of coffee or a lunch or dinner date that we enjoy with friends. What do we do about the friends we have not seen for some time- -a year; several years- -how do we keep in touch with them? In this time of social media, it might seem quite simple; however, Paul used another technique.
In today’s Scripture reading, Paul always prayed for his friends, “Always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,” (Philippians 1:5, ESV). Recently, I had the opportunity to run into a friend I had not seen for almost 20 years. It was like “old home week,” when we began to talk. There were smiles on our faces, as we talked about times past, and how we had kept up with each other’s career through the media. That same joy we shared is the joy Paul is speaking about that comes from praying for a friend.
When was the last time you lifted up the name of a friend in prayer, who you had not seen for some time? If you did, was it because of a prayer request, or was it because you had their name on your heart and mind? There is nothing wrong with intercessory prayer- -praying for a person in need. There is also nothing wrong with praying for friends you have not spoken with over a period of time.
Make it a point to bring old friends into your prayer life when you commune with God. He will be pleased, and watch how much joy comes into your life; especially when you know the other person has no idea you are even praying for them.
“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers,” (Romans 1:9-10a, ESV).
