As we journey together on the trails of life, there is a well-meaning phrase that pops up quite often.
"I'm praying for you."
These words we utter frequently, but could this innocent phrase do more harm than good?
Is it true that sometimes prayer alone can't be enough?
My friends, I'm going to propose something very radical.
No, I'm not talking about overthrowing the French Monarchy in 1789, or breaking free from the Spanish Empire. What I'm talking about is action to accompany prayer. Prayer alone will not solve problems, God is not your servant- you are God's citizen.
I do understand that the people who say say these words are very well-meaning, but the more we say it the more it becomes just empty words. The words will become devoid of their true meaning, and it just becomes the catch phrase for all.
In James 2 it says;
"14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without [a]your works, and I will show you my faith by [b]my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is [c]dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made [d]perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was [e]accounted to him for righteousness.' And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
Can prayers alone solve a problem? Yes, God listens to prayers, but if your friend does not have enough money for lunch and you just tell her, "I'll pray you get the money" does it really help her?
If you keep telling people that you are praying whenever you hear of an injustice or a bad situation, how will that situation end?
I'm not saying to stop praying. Of course praying for a situation does help, and praying for individuals helps as well. But prayer must be accompanied by action- help people to find security for their basic needs, get connections to get jobs, study for a test in a subject they are struggling in. We are all part of the earth, and have a human obligation to help one another. This is a way to show and spread the love of Christ, by actively helping others and trying to make the world a better place.
If you stay shut up in a tower all day and only say "I'm praying for you" how will that help?
Yes, God does help and work through prayer but he isn't a genie here to complete your every wish.
The next time you say "I'm praying for you," consider, is this a situation you can help with in anyway? Can you take action for your friends? Take action through those you love? Show your faith by works, and let the light of Christ shine from within you.
You may be thinking "what if I can't help?" I'm sure you can, even in the smallest way find something to encourage a person or to help them out of a situation.
Is your friend struggling in German?
You may not know German, but there is a strong chance somebody you know does- ask those people if they can tutor your friend or give your friend resources.
Act out your beliefs, act out the love of Christ- and others will see the light and want to know more.
Works cannot save us, only faith can. Works are a way to show the love of Christ to the world and serve as a testimony to others. Works are a tool, not a means!
Faith is displayed by our works, which should come as a result of faith.
Do not be afraid, step out into the unknown and see if action can help your faith along.
It may be scary at first, but with determined steps, scale the barricade and reach out your hand to a friend trying to climb the barricade as well.
Through unity, love, and direct action for all- both in the body of Christ and outside the body of Christ, we are accomplishing what God set us on earth for-- to honor him.
The next time you say "I'm praying for you," remember to think, can I help this person? If you can, gradually the world will become a better place as we actively help one another.
In liberty, equality, and solidarity the people shall join hands and walk together to a brighter future.