My father used to say he believed his parents, who I never met on earth, were able to see us from their new home in glory.
It comforted him. And it gave me a warm feeling of connection with those who had gone before me and were with me.
There are several scriptures in Revelation that refer to the “prayers of the saints.”
Prayer is communication with God. It is through prayer that we are drawn into the circle of those worshipping God face to face. And in so doing, we can also be drawn close to those who have gone before us.
God gave me a wonderful gift this week. As I was praying and meditating on scripture from Philippians, He allowed me to hear the words as a message from my mother. She loved reading Philippians.
As I read, I heard the words in my spirit, not as Paul in prison, but as my mother in Heaven, praying for me and those who came after her.
I share it with you now.
“I thank my God for all the memories I have of you.
Every time I pray for all of you, I do it with joy. I can do this because of the partnership we’ve had with you in the Good News from the first day you believed until now.
I’m convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.
You have a special place in my heart. So it’s right for me to think this way about all of you. All of you are my partners. Together we share God’s favor, as we defend and confirm The Truth of the Good News.
God is my witness that, with all the compassion of Christ Jesus, I see every one of you.
I pray that your love will keep on growing because of your knowledge and insight.
That way you will be able to determine what is best and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.
Jesus Christ will fill your lives with everything that God’s approval produces. Your lives will then bring glory and praise to God.” Philippians 1:3-10
“Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful!
Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near.
Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.
Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.
Practice what you’ve learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9
And all the saints said, “Amen! Glory to God in Heaven and on earth!”
