Praying for others

When we pray for others, do our prayers really mean anything?

One of my favorite things on Sunday morning is to catch a story by Glenn Rawson. He has such profound stories and can tell them in a way to capture your attention. He then follows up his story with a song.

This morning he asks, "Does our prayers for others really help?". He then goes on to tell the following story (This one I found in the Friend magazine):

"One man was paralyzed and could not move his arms and legs. He could not go anywhere unless four friends carried him on a small bed. The four friends decided to take the paralyzed man to see Jesus.

When they got to the house where Jesus was teaching, it was filled with people. There was not even room to squeeze in the doorway. The men had faith that Jesus could heal their friend if only Jesus could see him. How could they get in?

They carried their friend up to the flat roof on top of the house. Then they took part of the roof off! They lowered their friend on his bed down into the room where Jesus was teaching.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man who could not walk, “Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way” (Mark 2:11). Immediately the man stood up, picked up his bed, and left. The people were amazed and gave glory to God."

LDS Bible Images

He then proceeded to point out that because of the faith of the paralyzed man's friends, he was able to receive a miracle. His friends carried him and did all they could to help him receive his miracle.

This also reminded me of a time we were Ma & Pa at trek. I was having a bit of some heart issues when I went and we were a little concerned with the vigorous parts of trek. During the women's pull was the first time I actually felt that someone was praying for me. I can't describe the experience but I knew I was being prayed for. Later during the trek I found out that the missionaries were praying really hard for those involved in the women's pull. It was a testimony builder for me to know that our prayers for others really does matter.

So see, YES! Praying for others and serving others helps. Don't ever stop praying for other people. Mention them by name often.