Praying for you

I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: - Ephesians 1:16

In the last few days I have seen a couple of great answers to prayer for others. They have found a bone marrow donor for Michelle. Matt found the wedding ring he thought he had lost. A dear friend heard from the Justice Department and finally has permission to stay in Ireland. We have seen God carrying a family through illness. 

We have a great responsibility for each other. Paul said two things about the believers in Ephesus. He remembered to thank God for them and he prayed for them. 

I think one of the greatest parts of praying is praying for those who are close to us. We know them. We personally know their hurts and pains and their joys and their victories. One of the nice things about pastoring a small church is that we get to know the people deeply and intimately. 

Because of that we can pray with knowledge. Paul tells the Ephesians that he makes mention of them in his prayers. Isn't a comfort when we know that people we know and care about are praying for us? It makes a huge difference when we are having a tough time to know others are praying. 

Knowing all that doesn't it make it incumbant on us to pray for each other? Should we not be always looking for a chance to give thanks. 

Give thanks for each other. Pray for each other. That sounds like a pretty good way to get along doesn't it?