One of the greatest privileges as a member of the family of God is in bearing burdens for others. In the past few weeks, I have been thinking much on this topic as so many of our church, our family, and ministry friends around the world are laboring under heavy burdens. Burdens that range from financial difficulties, legal problems, job losses, injuries, sicknesses, pregnancy complications, persecution for the cause of Christ, discouragement, marital problems, wayward children, bereavement, language and culture challenges, and loneliness.
Every believer has been given the privilege to “bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). There are many ways we can bear one another’s burdens, but I believe the most important way we can do this by bearing their burden to the Lord in prayer.
Practical Ways to Bear the Burdens of Others in Prayer
Here are some practical ways we can bear burdens of others before the Lord in prayer:
- Even when I don’t know how to pray, God’s Spirit will help me to pray. (“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought : but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27)
- As I pray for their burdens, I need to have faith to believe that God has a purpose even in this trial. (“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28)
- When I bear burdens in prayer, I must remember to surrender myself and the burden to the will of God. (“Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done” - Luke 22:42 – Jesus’ prayer before
Calvary ).
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| President Abraham Lincoln |
I am reminded of the words of President Abraham Lincoln, who was reported to have said to his secretary, Noah Brooks, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go.”
The Ministry Privilege of Bearing Burdens
For those of us who are in ministry, we have the additional burden given to us of the Word of God. It is not a light matter to prepare and proclaim the Word of God. In fact, many of the Old Testament prophecies refer to the proclamation of the word of God as a “burden” that was given.
Example: “The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel
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| Charles Spurgeon |
“The prophets of old were no triflers. They did not run about as idle tellers of tales, but they carried a burden. Those who at this time speak in the name of the Lord, if they are indeed sent of God, dare not sport with their ministry or play with their message. They have a burden to bear- ‘the burden of the word of the Lord’” – C.H.Spurgeon
Note also that when God gave to Moses the instructions regarding Aaron and the priestly order, he gave him a symbol to illustrate his duty to bear the burdens of God’s people before the Lord.
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| Old Testament Priest |
9 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel
10 Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.
11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel
12 And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel
In the same manner, those of us called into ministry have been granted the privelege to bear the names of those to whom we minister before the Lord as a memorial. The prophet Samuel understood this sober responsibility when he said, "Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way" - 1 Sam 12:23.
Burden-Bearing is Hard Work – but it is worth it!
Yes, by it’s very definition, bearing a burden is work, but what a privilege! When it seems like you can do nothing substantive to help that friend, loved one or missionary to bear their burden, can I encourage you to come alongside and slip up under their load by prayer. It will sustain them more than you may ever know. It can make a difference for them, and your faith will grow as you are strengthened by the labor of bearing one another’s burdens.
Will you join me in bearing burdens today?
Today, my heart is especially heavy with the burdens of several dear, dear families and servants of Christ. Will you join me at the throne of God and help bear burdens before the Lord in prayer?
