HELP OTHERS WALK WORTHILY OF JEHOVAH - Conclusion of Be Specific in Prayer

Conclusion of Be Specific in Prayer

Do you see the pattern for us-a way for us to help others?  As noted, public prayers at Christian meetings are often broader, in view of the diverse audience.  But our personal or family prayers can be quite specific.  While we may at times ask God to guide and bless all traveling overseers or spiritual shepherds, can we not sometimes be precise?  For instance, why not pray by name for the circuit overseer visiting your congregation or the conductor of your Congregation Book Study?  Philippians 2:25-28 and  1 Timothy 5:23 show Paul's individualized concern about the health of Timothy and Epaphroditus.  Can we similarly reflect such interest in sick one we know by name?

Granted, we must avoid meddling in others' private matters, but it is proper for our prayers to manifest genuine interest  in those we know and care for.  (1 Timothy 5:13; 1 Peter 4:15)  A brother may have lost his job, and we cannot give him another one. Yet, we can mention him by name and focus on his difficulty in our personal prayers.  (Psalm 27:25; Proverbs 10:3) Are we aware of a single sister who has grown older without a husband and children because she is determined to marry "only in the Lord"?  (1 Corinthians 7:39)  In your private prayers, why not ask Jehovah to bless her and to help her continue loyal in her service?  As another  example, two elders may have given counsel to a brother who erred.   Why could not each of them mention him by name in their private prayers from time to time? 

The possibilities abound for you to include in your personal prayers individuals you know who need Jehovah's support, consolation, wisdom, and holy spirit, or any of its resulting fruits.  Because of distance or other circumstances , you may feel limited in what material or direct help you can provide.  but do not forget to pray for your brothers and sisters.  You know that they may want to walk worthily of Jehovah, yet they may truly need help to do that lastingly.  A key to helping is you prayers. -Psalm  18:2; 20:1, 2; 34:15; 46:1; 121:1-3.

Next time: HELP OTHERS WALK WORTHILY OF JEHOVAH - Work to Strengthen Others

The Watchtower, 2000