Prayer Cards

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

My name is Xochitl Dixon. I'll be sharing a personal story in today's reading, Prayer Cards. During a writing conference where I served as a faculty member, Tammy handed me a postcard with a handwritten prayer on the back. She explained that she read the faculty biographies, wrote specific prayers on each card, and prayed as she delivered them to us. In awe over the details in her personal message to me, I thanked God for encouraging me through Tammy's gesture. Then I prayed for her in return.

When I struggled with pain and fatigue during the conference, I pulled out the postcard. God refreshed my spirit as I reread Tammy's note. The Apostle Paul recognized the life affirming impact of prayer for others.

In Ephesians 6, he urged believers to prepare for battle against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. He encouraged ongoing and specific prayers while emphasizing the need to intervene for one another in what we call intercessory prayer. Paul also requested bold prayers on his behalf. Pray also for me that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. As we pray for one another, the Holy Spirit comforts us and strengthens our resolve. He affirms that we need Him and one another, assuring us that He hears every prayer, silent, spoken, or scribbled on a prayer card. And He answers according to His perfect will.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10 to 20. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Pray also for me that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should. Let's pray. Dear God, please help us approach you with confident prayers for ourselves and others. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.