Dear Church Family,

I was reminded this week of the important blessing of prayer. I’ve started the book of 2 Corinthians in my devotions, and in the first chapter Paul talks about the afflictions he has faced in ministry. He remembers that God has delivered him in the past and his hope is that He will do so again. Paul then implores the Corinthian church to pray for him.

2 Corinthians 1:11 (ESV)
You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

The thing that hit me were the words “help” and “granted.” Many times I want to help others and wonder if prayer is really helping them. Even in the media “thoughts and prayers” have been discounted to the point that offering them is seen as uncaring and pointless. God reminded me through this passage that prayer really helps others and is often the means through which God “grants” the things we need.
I’m excited for our prayer night this Sunday. It’s a chance for us to come together with our needs and praises. In the passage “the prayers of many” literally means “from the many faces” in the Greek. I love the picture of “many faces” before God in prayer. Don’t forget the opportunity to help we have as a group, but also the opportunity you have each day to help others through prayer.
–David Bronleewe