FOR YOU I AM PRAYING

I personally think the two biggest exaggerations that are often used by Christians are, "If I can do anything for you, just let me know" and "I'll be praying for you".  In the first case, if we really want to help out, we would find out what the person needs and just do it.  In making that statement we generally expect, and maybe even want, what usually happens - nothing. In the second situation, we probably mean well but soon forget the promise we have made. It is an easy way to sound pious in difficult times.  It seems to me that it is rare today to have a person who will regularly take you and your needs to the throne of grace. Few of us are really burdened in prayer for the lost around us.  Few of us take the time to be genuine prayer warriors for the lost as well as for those around us who have needs, and that is so sad.  It is rare to have a faithful, genuine prayer partner and, if you have one, then you are very blest.  I've had a few in my lifetime.  Most of them have been relatives.  But most of mine are now home in glory and I miss them.  One of those was my grandfather, Pastor N. H. Wolf.  I knew he was praying for me and my needs every day.  We were involved in a family ministry for about 25 years and most Sundays we would be on the road very early in the morning traveling to a church to present a program.  Only once in all of those years did we get lost trying to find a church.  Days later it dawned upon me that the previous week Grandpa Wolf had been taken  home to heaven and that on this Sunday morning, for the first time, he was not praying for me.  I was struck by how much his faithful prayers had touched my life over the years.  Prayer is powerful!  Being an intercessor for another is a special privilege that should be ours.  And that is the focus of this week's hymn. Now the hymn mainly focuses on praying for the lost, but I believe it can also be applied to remembering those around us who are struggling. I had forgotten about the hymn until it came to my mind just a few days ago.  It has been so long since I have heard it and its powerful message.  The words were written by Samuel O. Cluff (1837-1910) and the music was added by Ira Sankey in 1874.  I don't know anything about the events behind its writing, but I must assume that it came from the heart of a man who had experienced the power of prayer and the privilege of being a faithful intercessor for others. He must have had a real burden for the lost around him. My challenge to you this week is to meditate upon the words and then become a true prayer warrior for others. People need the Lord!  And for those you know with various needs,  please don't say "I am praying for you" unless you really mean it.  We need to be more honest with what we promise to others, more broken about the needs of our lost friends, and more faithful in spending time on our knees bringing the needs of others before the Lord.

(1)    I have a Savior, He's pleading in glory,

A dear, loving Savior though earth friends be few;

And now He is watching in tenderness o'er me;

And oh, that my Savior were your Savior, too.

For you I am praying,

For you I am praying,

For you I am praying,

I'm praying for you.

(2)    I have a Father; to me He has given

A hope for eternity, blessed and true;

And soon He will call me to meet Him in Heaven,

But, oh, that He'd let me bring you with me, too!

For you I am praying,

For you I am praying,

For you I am praying,

I'm praying for you.

(3)    I have a robe; 'tis resplendent in whiteness,

Awaiting in glory my wondering view;

Oh, when I receive it all shining in brightness,

Dear friend, could I see you receiving one, too!

For you I am praying,

For you I am praying,

For you I am praying,

I'm praying for you.

(4)    When Jesus has found you, tell others the story,

That my loving Savior is your Savior, too;

Then pray that your Savior may bring them to glory,

And prayer will be answered — 'twas answered for you!

For you I am praying,

For you I am praying,

For you I am praying,

I'm praying for you.

(5)   Speak of that Savior, that Father in Heaven,

That harp, crown, and robe which are waiting for you—

That peace you possess, and that rest to be given,

Still praying that Jesus may save them with you.

For you I am praying,

For you I am praying,

For you I am praying,

I'm praying for you.

It has been very hard to find a video of this hymn being sung.  But here is the only one that I could find.    LISTEN