Mention of You

...do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:16 (NKJV)

The Bible teaches us to exhort, to encourage, to rebuke when necessary. But above all, pray for each other. It is not the practice of some Christians to pray for one another, unless in an emergency or if the person they are praying for is truly a close relative. When the Bible tells us to pray for one another, it sets no limits on who we should pray for. One another refers to all brothers and sisters in the faith, whether they are members of our congregation or of another faith.

Paul exceeds this limit. He not only prays once or twice or when necessary, he also constantly mentions the Christians of Ephesus in his prayers. He also gives thanks to God for them. This is an example that each of us should adopt in our prayer life, to always present the requests of others before God and patiently await His response.

When was the last time you prayed for someone other than a family member or close friend? Like Paul, it is important that you include the needs of others in your prayers, always mentioning them, and giving thanks for them. It is an attitude that pleases God. If this was not truly important to Him, He would not have allowed it to be recorded in His word.

May the grace and the peace of God be with you all.