Pray for everyone

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV)

When someone tells you about a problem they are having, an illness they are experiencing, or some other challenge, what do you tell them? I see so many times the response is "my thoughts are with you". But we are instructed to take these things to God through prayer. I dont believe that at any point in my life that my thoughts did anything to help someone else. I do however have many instances where asking God to intercede for others has brought about miraculous results.

One instance in particular was when my youngest brother caught some very rare illness. I remember praying for him, asking others to pray for him. Day and night we prayed. It was a Sunday afternoon, I had run some items over to our new house. When I returned, my wife came outside and told me my dad had called. My brother had taken a turn for the worse. The doctor wanted the family at the hospital to say our goodbyes. It was a horrible experience, walking in and seeing my youngest brother struggling to hang on. I said my goodbyes, but also told him I was continuing to pray for him.

I must admit, it was extremely hard to pray for God's will to be done, for what if His will was to bring my brother home?  Amazingly, my brother recovered fully from that illness. The doctors had no logical explanation. I know that it was many people interceding for my brother, asking for more time for him to impact others lives, and God's response that saved my brother.

The power of prayer is incredible. But not just because my brother lived. It is incredible because God tells us to do it. After all, Jesus prayed continually. If the only perfect one to walk this earth felt it necessary to pray, shouldn't we all follow? Surely we need God's helping hand and surely we should be thankful for everything He gives us. Isn't it right to say thanks?