"If You Know These Things, Happy You Are if You Do Them" - PRAY FOR OTHERS BY NAME

Another way to s how that we are humbly heeding divine direction is by praying for those who have already "inquired  a faith as precious as our."  (2 Peter 1:1)  Epaphras did so.  The Bible mentions him only three times-all in the inspired writings of Paul.  While under house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote to Christians living in Colossae that Epaphras was "already exerting himself in [their] behal in his prayers." (Colassions 4:12)  Epaphras knew the brothers well, and he cared for them deeply.  His situations as Paul's "fellow captive"  did not blind him to the spiritual needs of others.  (Philemon 23)  And he did something about it.  Is that a mark of unselfish concern?  Praying for our fellow servants of Jehovah has real force, especially when we remember them individually, such as by name.  -2 Corinthians 1:11; James  5:16.

Think of those whom you can pray for by name. Like Epaphras, many of our brothers and sisters are praying for those in the congregation and for families who are carrying a heavy load of responsibility or are facing serious decisions or temptations.  Many pray for those whose names are listed in the jw.org article.  "Jehovah's Witnesses Imprisoned for Their Faith."  (Look under NEWSROOM > LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS.) In addition, we do well to remember those who have lost loved ones in death, those who have survived recent disasters and wars, and those who are enduring economic crises.  Clearly, there are many brothers and sisters who need our prayers and who can benefit from them.  When we pray for such ones, we show that we are looking out  not only for our own interests but for those of others.  (Philemon 2:4)  Jehovah hears such prayers.

Next time: "If You Know These Things, Happy You Are if You Do Them -"BE QUICK TO LISTEN"

From the jw.org publications