Living a Life Beyond Me: Ways to Pray for Other People
I have shared before how God impressed upon me the importance of prayer as a part of my work. The most common question I get asked as a result is what do you pray for? Many people assume that I pray that my business would be successful and we would be more profitable. There is certainly an aspect of that which I include but I want to share where I have found the most breakthrough and where I spend most of my time. I pray for other people. I pray for our employees, vendors, our contractors and subcontractors, I pray for our clients both current and potential. God has shown me that when my prayers get bigger than me, God moves in people’s lives and covers me simultaneously. Paul teaches his young apprentice the value of praying of others and the results that affect your life:
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 AMP
Practical Prayers: What do you say?
It might be tempting to pray that everyone gets better at their job, that they would make no mistakes and would never take a day off. There are elements of those prayers that are fine but God showed me how to pray for the people that work with me. I pray for their health, their families and marriages and that they would know God. I have found that healthy, whole, contented people are the best people to work with. Their contribution is positive and adds to a thriving healthy culture. We have seen God do miracles in people’s lives. We have seen marriages restored, people healed and most exciting; people giving their lives to Jesus – all through the ministry of prayer.
As part of my commitment to prayer I keep folders of each group so that I can mention them by name to God. I also have a company chaplain that visit’s our job sites and frequently updates prayer requests so that I can pray specific prayers. Prayer is a cornerstone of my business and life. I added prayer to my job description and I have never regretted it.
