As we continue to consider how we should treat one another in the body of Christ, I want us to reflect on the power of prayer before we wind down for the night.  Prayer must occupy an ongoing place in our lives if we want to survive the constant attacks of the devil.  Paul simply tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

The importance of prayer lies in the fact that we are fighting against forces that we cannot overcome by ourselves.  Do you remember what Paul said when telling us to put on the whole armor of God?

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

We are up against the “spiritual forces of evil,” and we are up against them every day.  I would say putting on the armor of God is something we should never forget to do.  Notice, however, how Paul followed up this exhortation.

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
¹⁸ Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

When encouraging us to pray, Paul makes sure we realize that prayer is not all about ourselves.  Yes, we must pray for our own protection against Satan as he walks about seeking whom he may devour.  But we must habitually pray for brethren as well.

James 5:16 (ESV)
¹⁶Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

We must believe what James writes here—The prayer of a righteous person has great power.  Never underestimate how much good you can do for your brethren by praying for them.  What kind of things do you pray for when you pray for yourself?  Do you pray for God’s provisions?  Do you pray for your spiritual growth?  Do you pray for your physical health?  Do you pray for God’s protection?  You probably pray for all these things and much more.  Why not pray for your brethren for the same things?

How often do you pray for brethren who have been overtaken by sin?  Paul reminds us to do what we can to restore those who are caught in any transgression (Galatians 6:1).  Can you think of a better way of doing that than praying for them?  Of course, prayer should always be followed by actions that demonstrate that our prayers are sincere, but we should all make a habit of praying for those who are either struggling with some sin or have already succumbed to it.

The list of things we can pray for on behalf of brethren is almost endless.  Let us take advantage of the power of prayer and regularly pray for one another.

One more thing, James emphasized that it is the prayers of the righteous that have great power.  We should only pray for brethren if we are living righteously before God.  If we are not, our prayers are ineffective.  The Bible is clear—sin stops God from listening to us (Psalms 66:18; Proverbs 28:9; Isaiah 59:1-2; John 9:31; 1 Peter 3:12).

Before you go to sleep tonight, take a moment and pray for your brethren.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.