Praying For One Another

The following series is based on a book written by Jeremy and Sushma Ballard, “Is Your Home a Jesus Home?” The book is available for purchase on Amazon (Paperback & eBook), Barnes & Noble (Paperback & eBook), and Apple Books (eBook). Every purchase helps to support Jesus Home Ministries and the work Jeremy and Sushma are doing.

Last time, we explored the importance of love and forgiveness within the family. Today, we turn our attention to the vital practice of prayer. Prayer is a necessity for any believer. It is more than just asking God for what we need; it is about spending time with Him, building a relationship, and aligning our hearts with His will. Prayer is our lifeline to God, and it is through prayer that we grow in righteousness by living according to His example.

Prayer is a two-way conversation. It’s not just about us talking to God; it’s also about reading the Bible, listening to the Holy Spirit, and being open to what God wants to say to us. In this dialogue, we find guidance, comfort, and the strength to live out our faith. God loves to answer prayers, but our prayers must be sincere and free from sin. Sin can hinder our prayers and our relationship with God. Once sin is confessed and dealt with, our hearts are open to truly connect with God, and it is then that He will listen and respond according to His will.

James 5:16 emphasizes the importance of praying for one another, especially within the context of family: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.” Holding onto unforgiveness can hinder our prayers. If we harbor resentment, it becomes difficult to pray sincerely for those who have wronged us. However, once we have forgiven and reconciled with both the offender and God, our prayers become powerful and effective.

As a family, praying together is a powerful way to draw closer to God and to each other. One practical approach is to study Ephesians 6:10–20 together, which describes the armor of God. When you pray together, you can metaphorically “put on” the armor of God as a family:

1. The Belt of Truth: Represents integrity and honesty. Pray that each family member will walk in truth.
   
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness: Guards the heart and calls for righteous living. Pray for purity and protection against sin.
   
3. The Gospel of Peace (Footwear): Be ready to share the gospel wherever you go. Pray for opportunities to be peacemakers and ambassadors of Christ.
   
4. The Shield of Faith: Trust in God’s protection against the enemy’s attacks. Pray for faith to resist temptation.
   
5. The Helmet of Salvation: Protects the mind from the lies of the devil. Pray for a renewed mind and the assurance of salvation.
   
6. The Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word): The only offensive weapon, representing the power of Scripture. Pray that God’s Word will be deeply rooted in your hearts and used to combat spiritual battles.

Praying together as a family strengthens your bond and fortifies your home against the enemy’s schemes. The saying, “A couple who prays together, stays together,” extends to the entire family: “A family who prays together, stays together.” Prayer is the glue that holds a family together, fostering trust, unity, and spiritual growth. Without prayer, a family is more likely to drift apart. But with prayer, the family can stand strong, united under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Next time, we will explore the importance of submitting to one another.