Written by Liliana Henríquez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia
"Two are better than one because…if one falls, the other raises him up…” (Ecc. 4:9-10). This passage is generally used when we speak about couples or marriages, but I have found that it also applies to prayer partners. I have had the joy of having very close friends with whom I have shared my most intimate prayer requests and we have come together to mutually intercede before God. Knowing that someone else is praying for my needs makes me feel appreciated and loved. And the fact that I can pray for the wishes of a dear friend allows me to express how much I love and appreciate her.
Partners of any kind have to be selected with great care and wisdom. Therefore, today I want to share with you some tips that could help you when choosing a prayer partner:
- Make sure you choose a prudent friend, who makes you feel confident that she will not divulge your requests.
- If possible, choose someone who is also going through the same situation that you are or who has the same desire or project. This may help you feel more empathy on her part. Example: a work issue, infertility, etc.
- Each one of you can write your requests on a piece of paper and exchange them.
- Match each request with a promise or passage of scripture. This will make you feel supported by God. For example: If your request is, "Lord, allow me to understand your will," you could use this Bible verse: " I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Ps. 32:8 KJV).
- Prioritize your requests. As God responds, you can add other prayer requests.
- Define with your prayer partner, the time of the day when you will be connected in prayer. Some days you could pray from your home separately, and other days you could have a video call and pray together.
- Keep a written record with the start date of your prayers and the answers you receive from God as time progresses.
You will be surprised how quickly God responds when two people agree to intercede on a specific issue. It is God's will that we intercede for one another, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Eph. 6:18 KJV).
I encourage you not to pray alone, but to share your heart with a wise friend who can help you carry your burdens. Because two are better than one ...
Do you already have a prayer partner?
Can we help connect you with one?