AgingGracefullee

In the beginning of my journey, as a new Christian, while immersed in the study of God’s word and prayer, I learned how I’d been covered by the prayers of my mother and grandmothers.  Before I came to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, I had prayed for myself, but the truth was/is that God does not hear a sinner’s (unbeliever’s) prayer; until he or she repents of their sin and receives the Lord Christ into their heart as Savior and Lord.  Over the years, I’ve found myself many, many times thanking and praising God for hearing and answering the prayers of my mother and grandmothers, on my behalf.  I shudder to think of where my life may have ended-up had I not been covered by the prayers of my God-fearing mothers.

The “prayer of faith” is vital to our physical and spiritual existence.  According to  James 5:13-16, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”  Therefore, it is our responsibility as Christians to maintain a right relationship with the Lord, through prayer and fellowship; so that, God will hear and answer our prayers.  We maintain a right relationship with God, through daily prayers; walking in faith and obedience to His word; worshiping regularly and being committed to service in the upbuilding of His Kingdom.  And when we sin, we must quickly confess, repent (turn away from our sin) and turn back to God.  For He promised, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

While habitual sin can hinder the Christian’s prayers (James 5:13-16),  the Word of the Lord says, God does not even hear an unbeliever (sinner) when he prays. “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth” (John 9:31).  This is the word of the Lord!

Therefore, it is incumbent on us as Christian’s to daily cover our saved and unbelieving family, friends and acquaintances in fervent prayer.  For only God knows the timing and plans He has made to redeem those who are lost.  For, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”  (2 Peter 3:9).

My Christmas Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the prayers of my mother and grandmothers who loved me and prayed for my eternal life (salvation), forty-five years ago, when I was lost without you in my life.  Thank You for hearing and answering their prayers, on my behalf, in Your good time.  As we celebrate Your birth, I thank You for coming into this world and into my life and giving me the free Gift of Eternal Life, and for ALL my family who have already received Your precious gift of eternal life, through Jesus Christ.

Father, I pray for my unsaved family, descendants and unbelievers, everywhere, who have not received the gift of Eternal Life.  Please cover them with Your blood, until and after they come to know You as Savior and Lord. I pray in faith, earnestly and fervently that you will be longsuffering toward them, as you have been with me, until WE ALL come together in Your Glorious, Heavenly Kingdom, In Jesus Name.  Amen!