Your ministry of prayer

~~~~Remember prisoners, as if you were in prison with them: and remember those suffering ill-treatment, for you yourselves also are still in the body.Hebrews 13:3 - Weymouth's translation

Paul is talking about things we can pray for here. Interestingly he talks about prison ministry. I have gone a number of times to prison... TO MINISTER... And it can be a depressing place to minister!

I heard a minister speak about his work as a prison chaplain. He told us, "A prison chaplaincy colleague of mine said in our work we live among the sad, the bad and the mad." In spite of this, after more than 25 years service, his heart was still tender towards those imprisoned.

Stay tenderhearted!

Jesus feels for us in our weaknesses. Let's feel for others in theirs.

Don't just sit listening to CNN or Fox News and say how bad things are getting, or look at the tragedy those folks are going through! Instead we ought to be respond in prayer and pray God's word over the situation. When the news reports another event that causes us to worry or some disaster, then pray for those in the midst of it. When the news pronounces doom and gloom then speak out the promises God has given you for your life. Heb.4:15, Joh.16:23-24.

The Bible outlines that there is a ministry of prayer for believers.

Paul's first letter to Timothy tells us to pray for all men, for kings and for all who are in authority.

As you listen to the news pray for those involved in it.

There's are all sorts of people to pray for.

Paul called on us to pray for all our sanctified brethren in Christ and to particularly pray for those ministering God's Word.

Jesus told us to have enough grace to pray for people who negatively impact our lives. He said, "Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." 1Tim.2:1-4, Eph.6:18, 2Thes.3:1, Mat.5:44.

So get into gear and prayer by Christ's love!