There are those we love to have within arm’s reach. We love to be in their presence and have them in ours. Perhaps such thoughts are fresh in our mind as we have had the opportunity to connect with family and friends through this holiday season. However, there are also those we could not physically embrace though they are held dear in our heart. It has been said, “When my arms can’t reach people, I always hug them with my prayers.” (Anna Grace Taylor) Is that reflective of our own life experience?
While a prisoner at Rome, Paul wrote to those at Philippi. . .
“(3) I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, (4) always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, (5) because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (6) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (7) It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:3-7 ESV)
Though geography and imprisonment separated them, the loving embrace of prayer remained. Paul had joy because of the partnership they shared in the work of God. His holding them in prayer’s embrace also meant the sphere of the embrace included that of Heaven as he had confidence in what God had begun in them would continue. Paul held these brothers and sisters dearly in his heart, knowing they shared together not only in the challenges of this earthly realm, but also in the grace of God.
As we think of family, friends, and co-laborers with God — even when we can’t embrace them physically — may we experience the closeness of prayer’s embrace as we trust in God’s awareness of all that goes on in this realm while looking toward that which will ultimately be brought to completion in Christ!
Have a great day EXPERIENCING PRAYER’S SPHERE THAT KEEPS US NEAR!
Carl
