"as you help us by your prayers"

"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." 2 Corinthians 1:10-11
 
While I reflected on prayer this week, I focused on intercessory prayer. What I noticed when I read this the other day is the word "as" at the beginning of verse 11. Paul directly connects his hope in God continuing to deliver him from the trial he is facing to the prayers for him offered up by others. As pastor and author J. Hampton Keathley says, "God has chosen to use our prayers to accomplish his purpose." This elevates the need to be faithful in intercessory prayer. It also elevates the need to make sure that we are bringing others into our needs and struggles, so that they can pray for us and appeal to God on our behalf. 
 
The text says "so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf".  The Greek word used here for persons is "prosopon"; it literally means face.  So, we have the image of many faces lifted up toward God in prayer. What a great picture of intercessory prayer! 

In light of this and the Russian invasion of Ukraine that we are watching so uneasily, I am struck by God's deliverance coming "as" we help others by our prayers. May we bring comfort and be comforted as we turn our faces to God in prayer on behalf of others.

Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation