We are All on KP Duty. EPs are Needed!

Read: Psalm 42:11; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 22:31-35

Prayer. It is a privilege to talk with the Creator/Redeemer. To think that we are invited to come to God's throne of grace whenever we want to do so, Hebrews 4:14-16. Oh, and isn't it wonderful when we receive an answer as quickly as Abraham's servant did when he was sent by his master to seek a bride for Isaac, Genesis 24:12-27! I would love to say that I frequently have that same experience when I pray; however, a sweet quick answer to my prayers is the exception rather than the rule, and I don't think I'm alone. We often have on-going prayer needs. In our own lives and in the lives of those for whom we pray, and one of the most needed kind of prayer is for encouragement. In the dictionary, one of the synonyms for encouragement is support. Help holding someone or something up so it doesn't fall down.

Throughout the growing season, we often stake up a plant so the weight of the flowers or fruit doesn't cause it to collapse. Or sometimes, we put up a trellis for a plant to climb on. It helps the growing thing to remain sturdy through the less than perfect conditions that it is up against each day. Don't we need that same support, and the first way we can offer that encouragement and support to one another is through prayer. When the need is on-going, we can easily become discouraged and feel weighted down. That's when we need them. Encouragement Prayers. EPs. A powerful help because they are prayed to an all-powerful God, Who desires to give us encouragement, Romans 15:5.

No wonder Paul told young Timothy about the importance of prayer. Lifting up hands to God with a heart of love, 1 Timothy 2:8 and praying for everyone, 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

Yes, there are many needs people have, and it is good to pray with them, but as we wait for answers that we can see, let's not forget to pray for encouragement because it is, as we all know, hard to wait. The scripture gives us examples of those who became weary as they experienced life's downs and ups. For example, throughout the psalms, David frequently expressed his weariness. As he did in Psalm 42:11. In that verse the psalmist spoke of being cast down, and having been a shepherd, David knew the danger of being in such a state.

Philip Keller who was himself a shepherd wrote about the peril a sheep experiences when it is cast and the tender love of its seeking shepherd. When the shepherd would see his sheep which was in peril and away from the flock he would run to it. There it was. Helpless and flailing on its back. Unable to right itself. He would then gently straddle it and begins to rub its legs. He would quietly talk to it and tenderly restore the circulation in its legs so it would, once again, be able to be with the other sheep.

Isn't that what happens when we pray that people will be encouraged? God supplies the strength in answer to prayer. His help that lifts up the one who is weary and discouraged. God has an endless way of providing just the right encouragement for any given situation His children face, and He knows just the right timing. Prayer is the key that unlocks the door. We know this is true because each of us has been both the discouraged one and the one who prayed for encouragement and strength for the one in need. In Luke 22:31-35, we read about Peter and the prayer that would strengthen him after he did what seemed unimaginable to him. Surely the apostle truly believed he would never fall. He found it impossible to believe Jesus' words. Peter didn't even know how badly he needed Jesus' prayer. How broken and sorrowful Peter was when he saw Jesus looking at him after his third denial. No wonder he went away and wept bitterly, Luke 22:60-62. Yet, Peter was supported by Jesus' prayer; so he was able to go on and do the ministry Jesus later gave him, John 21:15-17. Peter experienced godly sorrow, and he repented. Not worldly sorrow that only leads to death, 2 Corinthians 7:10.

It is a precious thing to know that we can both receive and offer prayers of encouragement. Especially when we don't know how to pray. We are on KP duty--"Keep Praying" because EPs are truly needed, and everyone in Jesus' family no matter how young or old is welcome to join in!