I have received several prayer requests over the years, but many more recently. People have so many needs. Most of them are prayer requests for family, children, and relationships, which remind us of our commonality as human beings divinely connected by the Creator.
However, since the pandemic, the needs are greater — need for strength to endure, comfort because of grief, peace because of confusion, chaos and mental and emotional instability, financial resources because of loss and unemployment. And the greater need—HOPE. Therefore, the prayer requests are greater, but no needs greater than supply Source.
Whether we are quick to admit it, we are not that different when faced with the needs listed above. Still, the greater need is relational. We are social beings, created with the need to connect. This is one thing coronavirus has shown us in this generation. How has it shown us? It has shown by demanding our separation—social distancing has become the norm; we dislike it. Social media platforms and virtual meetings are how we connect. Being separated from loved ones in hospitals and rehab facilities is painful. The desire and need to gather with family and friends for holidays and funerals is evidence of this greater need! The pain of separation from social connection caused many to defy health guidelines. Practicing social distancing affected our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We all crave a sense of connection, to feel loved, that we belong. We need to feel safe. We need each other! We need to know we matter; we are significant. Regardless of skin color, religious beliefs, ethnicity, COVID-19 revealed our greater need as human beings—ONENESS (UNITY). My prayer is that we, the body of Christ, get it. Unity is what Jesus prayed for so that His disciples could convince the world that God the Father sent Him (John 17:20-21). Although the greater is relational, God planned for that too. It is a spiritual connection--salvation through faith in His Son, Jesus the Christ.
I estimate that ninety-five percent of the individual’s prayer requests reveal a relational need that is affecting them mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Thankfully, they believe in the power of prayer. It is the requests for prayer concerning relationship issues that sense the heaviness that weighs on their heart. Knowing their situation, the feeling of hopelessness almost overshadows me. Instead, I refocused my attention to my assignment—intercessory prayer. Realizing the magnitude of their needs intensifies my prayer to God on their behalf. I remind myself that no need is too great for our GREAT GOD, the Creator of the Universe. When our needs outweigh our resources and overwhelm us, it is an opportunity to experience the miraculous power of Almighty God. No needs are greater than God’s ability to meet.
More recent than ever, I am reminded of God’s promise to Abraham that he and Sarah would have a son in their old age. God Himself asked Abraham is anything too hard for Adonai? (Genesis 18:14, CJB). Although it was twenty-five years later, it happened, and Isaac was born. God keeps His promise!
God assured Jeremiah of the Israelites return from captivity after the prophet’s prayer for understanding (Jeremiah 32:16-25). In verses 26-27, Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?”
I am convinced that there is nothing too hard for God! He wants us to ask Him—to make our requests (specific needs) known to Him in prayer. Throughout scripture, we find that He has promised to answer prayer. We find that He answered prayers.
“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:14-15, NLT).
Do you have a need? Have faith in God. Pray — ask God and trust Him to do His will concerning you for His glory.
Think about this. Out of the 7,800,000,000 people in the world, God is able to meet your personal need. Remember, no need to too great for Almighty God!
© 2021. Queen E. Phillips. All rights reserved. A Majestic Publication.
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