Pray for us, for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. Hebrews 13:18
A sister was going through tremendous difficulties and strains in her family, and she was feeling overwhelmed by it all. Despite her difficulties, she was bravely forging ahead, simply because she must. I encouraged her as best I could, and assured her that she was moving in the right direction. And then I told her that I would continue to pray for her. That seemed to be the most helpful thing I could say, and she thanked me over and over. We have all had people come to us in hard times of grief, struggle, or pain, and tell us that they were praying for us. And that assurance was precious, more comforting than anything else that could be said. And we have had people ask us for prayer. Such a request should never be made, nor received, lightly.
The apostle Paul often requested prayer from the Assemblies and individuals to whom he wrote. In today’s test, he reminds the people that he and his companions have a good testimony, and he desires that they will be able to preserve it. For a Christian, a good testimony is critical; if we don’t have a good testimony, we have nothing. Without a good testimony, it is pointless to witness for Christ, and impossible to serve Him. Without a good testimony, we are like the world around us, and are a reproach to our Lord and a delight to the devil. But if we have a good testimony, we are available and fit for the Master’s use. Just as Paul requested, we should desire other Christians to pray for us to maintain a good testimony, and we should so entreat the Lord for them.
For many of the Christians in his day, there was no way they could provide Paul with money or supplies, or even to communicate with him. Even those who had the means to send him some fellowship were not able to do so. A letter from a humble saint somewhere would have been most welcome to Paul, but few could write, and those who could would never be able to slip a message past the Roman guards. No, Paul was inaccessible to them in every way but one. Many of the dear saints who knew and loved him bore him before the Throne of Grace daily, and Paul knew and appreciated that. To know that other Christians are praying for you should give you great comfort and cheer, regardless of the darkness of the hour.
If you would pray for me, that my testimony might be preserved, I would be most grateful; and I will pray for you. Nothing that we can do is more important than that. – Jim MacIntosh