Lift Up in Prayer: To pray for someone, most often in a group setting. (Example: Lord we just lift Sarah up to you tonight…)
If you think of it like this, it’s actually quite lovely: they are coming around you, these people who are praying. You are not strong enough to bring yourself to God, weighed down as you are with all of this sadness. So they come close enough to put their arms beneath you. Bend from the knees. Lift.
But then, inevitably, there is the drop.
The Bible Study ends. The paper cups are dropped in the garbage cans, a little cold coffee still in the bottom. There is some small talk as you shuffle out to your cars, to reality, to the world beyond where you will be expected to haul yourself through your day alone.
When you leave this moment, this Bible study, the Christians don’t say, “I’ll be lifting you up in prayer.” It’s as if they know that such a statement would be dishonest. We are only human beings after all. We cannot hold each other up indefinitely.
They say instead “I’ll be praying for you.” A slight shift in wording, a small movement toward vagueness.
Here is another image: ballet dancers.
He lifts her and it is seamless, beautiful. For a moment, she is suspended in the air by only the palm of his hand. But when he sets her down, he doesn’t let go of her. They are still dancing, still in tune with one another, still moving as one.
She is held even when she is not lifted.
This is the truest way I can think to describe it. The prayers we say for one another are an undeniable, necessary, beautiful part of it. But after we raise our heads, clear our throats, turn out the lights in the church foyer, we are still moving through life together.
I am still in this with you. There is still, always, this dance.
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Tuesday Morning Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this beautiful Tuesday morning that we are alive to see the splendor of Your marvelous creation. We worship You and praise Your Holy name. Blessed be the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Lord Jesus, thank You for this beautiful Tuesday morning that we are alive to see Your splendor Click To Tweet
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me bless his holy name. Psalm 103:1“I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” – Psalm 16:8
We appreciate all that You continue to do for us, Heavenly Father. We trust You completely because we believe that we are stronger than we have ever been, as we stand on the power of Your mighty Word.
May God bless your day and keep you safe from harm. Click To Tweet
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
We appreciate all that You continue to do for us, Heavenly Father. We trust You completely because we believe that we are stronger than we have ever been, as we stand on the power of Your mighty Word.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Proverbs 16:3
Abba Father, we trust You and commit all our works to You today. We surrender even the smallest tasks into Your hands. Help us sweet Holy Spirit, to be attentive to Your still small voice directing our path today.
Let us come boldly before Your great throne and receive the blessings You graciously provide. In Jesus matchless and powerful name we pray, Amen and Amen!
“My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26Hebrews 4:12 – Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Video: What A Beautiful Name – Hillsong Worship
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