Praying to share in the growth

Today I was emailing those who have requested and committed to "Share in the growth."  (If you have no idea what this is- then you may not be getting our emails.  If you would like to receive them, please email us at chrisandlindyt@gmail.com.)  

Recently I have been really convicted about my prayer life.  I began to wonder about all those people I told "Yes, I will pray for you", then I never did.  It's so easy to say that one 3 letter word when people ask us to pray.  One person replied to our email and transparently said "I want so badly to share in the growth.  I've never been good at long term prayer, but I'm willing to give it a shot."  I thought about that and there has only been one person that I have prayed for ALMOST every day for over a year. (Notice I didn't say EVERY day b/c I FORGET!)  The fact of the matter is- I'm not good at long term prayer either! Yet, I'm asking others to be.  So I want you all to know that Chris and I are picking up a few names of these newly converted believers too.  We are in this together.  There are people that I emailed that I just KNOW will have no problem remembering to pray for their people.  As for me, I HAVE to make a list.  When I don't is when I get way behind and forget.  If at the end of your day you find yourself saying "Oh no. I didn't pray today," then you have to MAKE TIME for it.  A wise old pastor friend once said something like "You will only do what you make time to do.  If you make time to serve, then you will serve."  It's the same way with prayer.  You will only pray if you make time!  So maybe we should get up a little earlier.  Yea- I said it!

I started wondering if we will one day be accountable for all those people we have said in passing "I will pray for you" or the simple "Yes." when asked to pray.  This sent my A.D.D. on a wild goose chase.  I was really trying to keep in mind not to take scripture out of context.  I found something I wanted to share in Samuel 12: 

"22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you." 

Could it be?  Do we sin against the LORD by failing to pray?  Lord- help us!  

I learned from Jill Briscoe (my hero) when I was in India last year that when someone asks you to pray for them, either you do it right then or you say "As God calls you to my mind I will pray for you."  She and Stewart travel all around the world speaking and get asked by a billion people to pray for them.  I thought that was some very good advice.    

After emailing all those who replied that they were anxious and willing to "share in the growth", i found myself looking at over 50 blanks next to names that have no one to pray for them.  Chris is out again today, in the streets of Kawangware Slums, evangelizing as we speak.  So more names are coming home this evening.  If you are willing and can commit to at least 4 months of praying for 2 people- please comment below (click on open ID- you do not have to be a blogger) or email us with a simple subject line saying that you want to share in the growth.  These people desperately need your prayers.  They have 4 months of discipleship lessons to complete before they receive their bibles.  They need YOU to pray them through.  There are several people who never finish it and never receive their bible.  We need you to pray for them, their lessons, their family, their work, their eagerness to learn God's word and finish the lessons.  We need you to pray for them to take the savior to their homes and to their families.    We PRAY that you will choose to TAKE TIME share in the growth!

"Oh Lord, God!  Forgive us for sinning against you by not praying for the people that you love and care about!  Pardon us for all the times we have said  "Yes, we will pray" out of haste.  God, I'm so guilty of this!  Lord I am heartbroken about this matter.  You deserve so much better than what I give you and your people!  Lord make us sympathetic and compassionate toward your people... OUR NEW BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST- that we would have the ZEAL to pray for them on a daily basis.  Jesus, we thank you for the awesome gift of prayer and ask that we do not take it lightly nor will we take it for granted.  Get us EXCITED about praying for these people.  For they are the potential to change this country and point it to the one true God!  I pray now that the Holy Spirit will descend on the hearts of those who want to share in the growth of the kingdom, and prompt us to pray diligently.  For this is all an important part of the great commision!  We love you- now let us show it...   

Amen"