Learn to bless your friends.
| posted 1/30/2009
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Aaron and his sons had a big responsibility: They had to look out for the entire nation of Israel. So God gave them a special prayer—a blessing for all the people—to recite. And God promised that when Aaron and his sons blessed Israel, He would listen to them.
Like Aaron and his sons, you are responsible to pray for your friends. And Aaron's prayer is a wonderful model to use. When you pray for your friends, begin by asking God to protect them from spiritual danger, physical danger, illness, temptation, and other difficulties. Then ask God to show His kindness by actively blessing your friends with all that they need-food, clothing, shelter, spiritual wisdom and strength, healthy families and relationships. Pray that your friends will find peace. For your unsaved friends, ask that God will show them His salvation so they can be at peace with Him. And for fellow believers, pray that God will protect them from spiritual discouragement and help them to grow in their knowledge of Him.
When you spend time praying for your friends, your focus shifts from yourself and your own needs to their good. Follow the threefold pattern of Aaron's prayer, and you'll find you have a whole new perspective on friendship. (See also 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Mark 10:29-31, 35-45.)
Good Words to Remember:
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
Today's Challenge:
Which friend do you need to pray for today?
Copyright 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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