2007) I have dedicated myself to spending more time in prayer. I wish I could say I did it to nurture a better relationship with God. Yes, it’s part of it, but I found I was continuing to have bad attitudes about specific people and circumstances, so a deeper prayer life has resulted.  

What have I seen and experienced since this commitment and following through with it? I have had a better attitude toward others. I’ve had compassion and patience where I struggle. I’ve had insight into verses I sometimes pray through for others. But there’s one specific thing I had not considered, and I found it in a familiar verse about prayer.  

James 5:16 tells us to confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. (ESV) Sound familiar? Yes, we are to confess to others what God has led us to to make relationships right. Yes, we are to pray for others BUT did you see what comes next? We are to do these things so we might be healed.  

The verse does not say to pray for others so they will be healed (although, it’s certainly biblical that this can result). The verse says that we may be healed.  

In the time since I’ve committed to deepening my prayer life, I have been amazed at the transformation within. I’ve a deeper compassion for myself and others. I am seeing opportunities to be gracious. I feel a yearning within for this time of prayer because I want to spend time with God and desire the healing within me.

Do you need healing? Build up your prayer life.