Among the Broken Shells: a poem to pray for others

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

Sitting among the broken shells on this beach, I feel a prayer stirring up in me.

I pick up a few shells and notice the differences in their wear and tear. There are clams split in two, conches with gaping holes and exposed spiral cores, bits of pink and orange scallops, along with many others broken beyond my recognition. Some pieces are polished smooth after being washed up by the sea. Others come out sharp and rough with a crust of barnacles piled on thick.

I think these shells are like us. All of us. People are uniquely broken, yet somehow coping.

Helping Others Who Are Broken

When we see all the hurt around us, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help. Actively doing something like delivering a casserole, providing transportation, or donating money is beneficial. These good deeds bring immediate and tangible results to both givers and receivers. Sometimes however, in our hurry to “do” something, we can neglect another significant way to help others. We forget to pray for them.

A Different Kind of Prayer for Others

Often prayers for others focus on improving health, jobs, security, relationships, happiness, safety, and other day-to-day needs. Certainly, these prayers are needed and important. But, most Bible verses about praying for others call for a different type of prayer. Repeatedly, the Bible asks us to pray for the faith or spiritual well-being of others.

Praying Specifically for the Faith of Others

Throughout his New Testament writings, the apostle Paul prayed for the growth of faith in various churches which were established after Christ’s death and resurrection. For example, in his letter to the Colossian church, he asks God to give people specific faith-based essentials like: knowledge of his will, spiritual wisdom and understanding, strength, joy, and thankfulness. Colossians 1:9-13 NLT

Paul’s words, in Colossians and in his other books of the Bible, have helped me become more specific in my prayers for people. Instead of just asking in general for someone to believe in Christ and develop strong faith, I now pray for certain elements or parts of their faith to deepen and grow.

This week I wrote a poem about our brokenness. It is a prayer asking Jesus to help bandage our hurt and increase our faith in special ways. I prayed it for you! Press on in faith my friends! ~Jamie

Among the Broken Shells

Jesus,
Will you meet me by the sea?
I’m sitting among the broken shells,
I’m sure you’ll see me.

There’s plenty to say,
but it’s all jumbled within.
Let’s sit and rest awhile,
you always help me begin…

Jesus, there’s so much brokenness–
like these shells, it’s all around.
My heart hurts for so many,
I pray wholeness in you is found.

Through your generosity, bring wisdom,
a true love for your Word.
Slow down life’s pace,
stoke faith fires which burn.

Through your kindness, bring support,
encouragement to the downhearted.
Surround people with cheerful care,
supply comfort in waters uncharted.

Through your mercy, bring forgiveness,
the precious gift one can never repay.
Open eyes to sin,
humble all to live in peace each day.

Through your strength, bring endurance,
a patient determination to keep going.
Navigate the paths you choose,
safeguard this hope our souls are holding.

Through your goodness, bring thankfulness,
gratitude for blessings even in despair.
Change lives to be more like yours,
a transformation bold praise declares.

Through your power, bring healing,
restoration in your way and time.
Use suffering to draw us closer,
highlight spiritual gifts making you shine.

Jesus,
Through our brokenness, bring beauty,
an acceptance of your offer for more.
Overfill the present with joy,
share your holy perspective–
a perfect grace
straight from heaven’s shore.
Amen

by Jamie Trunnel ©2022, ascripturedlife.com

Bible Verses Encouraging us to Pray for the Faith of Others

Pray for the faith and salvation of others

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT

Pray for others often

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 NLT

God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. Romans 1:9 NLT

Pray for others who mistreat you

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44 NLT

When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! Job 42:10 NLT

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Romans 12:14

Pray about the pain and joy of others

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NLT

 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 1 Corinthians 12:26 NLT

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2 NLT

Pray for the forgiveness of others

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 NLT

Pray for the lives of others to be transformed

…We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:9-10 NLT

Pray for others’ strength, endurance, patience, joy, and thankfulness

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. Colossians 1:11-12 NLT

May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NLT

Stay in Touch

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Related Posts about Praying for Others

Learning to Pray
Praying God Protects Who We Love
Prayer Walking in the Wilderness
Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
Three Ways Play Helps Us Pray
Designed for Prayer: the pause of a praying mantis
Encourage and Build Each Other Up

Inspiring Resources about Praying for Others

8 Amazing Things that Happen When We Pray for Others–iBelieve.com
Why is Praying for Others Important–gotquestions.org
30 Important Bible Verses About Praying for Others–biblereasons.com

Photo Credits: My family and I took these photos along the beaches of Naples, Florida. Special thanks to Katie for sharing the beautiful sunrise photo.

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