Be the Answer:  Unity of Faith and Works

from Prayers for a Nation on Youversion

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

James 2:26

The moment you separate body and spirit, the result is a corpse.  Separate faith and works, and you get the same thing—a corpse.  When there is a seamless unity of “believing and doing,” we are exercising faith as God intends.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

Much joy comes in our prayers as we listen to God’s urging to “be the answer,” trusting Him to show us how to meet the needs of those for whom we pray. At times, we may be a source of financial provision. This may be as simple as bringing a meal that’s needed, offering words of encouragement, or going to the hospital to pray while someone is having surgery. 

Our praying for others is vital and important; however, if we don’t pair this with listening and responding to the voice of the Father, urging us to become the answer to the prayers, then we are only going halfway in our faith. When the burden is placed upon you to pray, God often will also give you a burden to respond.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Romans 13:1

What a privilege that God chooses to work through His people to be the answer to their own prayers. When we respond in obedience, we learn what it truly means to be part of the body of Christ Jesus, and that is life-changing and culture-transforming.

Give thanks to the Father: Thank you, Father, for the privilege to collaborate with you in behalf of the gospel as you unite my prayer and my walk.

Listen for the Holy Spirit’s prompting for confession: We have often been prayerless in the face of crisis; forgive us. I have sadly, at times, only prayed while looking for others to fulfill my prayers; forgive me.

Join Jesus in prayers of petition: Holy Spirit, I yield myself to your authority and purpose, for “there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13:1).

Proclaim promises from His Word: Lord Jesus, might my prayerful walk with you be consistent with your Word as “a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Engage with other Jesus-followers in a lifestyle of prayer: Visit momsinprayer.org to discover ways  to join others in passionately praying before God for the lives of our children. Imagine the impact of God answering prayers for a generation of children throughout the nation.